Pennsylvania Democrats Poised to Allow Vote on Voter ID Bill After Years of Opposition

Strategic Insights -

Pennsylvania Democrats, once staunchly opposed to voter ID requirements, are now poised to allow a vote on a bill that would create new ID requirements to vote in the commonwealth. The move comes as part of a broader effort to negotiate with Republicans on election law reforms, including expanded early voting and streamlined election administration. The voter ID bill, sponsored by Rep. Tom Mehaffie (R., Cumberland), would require voters to show ID every time they cast a ballot, with a list of accepted forms including photo identification, state-issued voter registration cards, and utility bills. If voters do not have an approved form of identification, they would have the option to sign an affidavit attesting to their identity or ask a friend or relative to sign paperwork vouching for them.

Key Takeaways:

  • The voter ID bill, House Bill 771, is expected to pass the state House with a narrow majority, despite some Democratic opposition.
  • The bill would require voters to show ID every time they cast a ballot, with a list of accepted forms including photo identification, state-issued voter registration cards, and utility bills.
  • The bill's sponsor, Rep. Tom Mehaffie (R., Cumberland), and other Republicans view the voter ID requirement as essential to ensuring the integrity of the electoral process.
  • The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania (ACLU-PA) has expressed concerns about the bill's constitutionality and potential to disenfranchise eligible voters, but has stated that the current version of the bill is "benign."
  • The proposal has been in the works for years, but the current Democratic leadership's willingness to consider it marks a significant shift in their stance on voter ID requirements.
  • The bill's passage would be a major breakthrough in the state's years-long stalemate on election law reforms.
  • The sweeping reform bill authored by House Speaker Joanna McClinton (D., Philadelphia) aims to address issues such as early in-person voting, mail ballot processing, and voter registration, but may face opposition from some Democrats.
  • The bill's provisions, which have been welcomed by election officials, may still require amendments to accommodate the needs of smaller counties.

Statistics:

  • 16-year-old residents will no longer be able to pre-register to vote, under an amendment approved by Republicans.
  • 17-year-old students will continue to be able to pre-register to vote.
  • The current voter ID laws in Pennsylvania require voters to show ID only the first time they cast a ballot at a polling location, and present proof of ID every time they apply for a mail ballot.
  • 11 counties in Pennsylvania voted in favor of implementing early voting during the 2020 election cycle.
  • According to a 2020 survey, 64% of Pennsylvania voters support early voting.

Sources:

  • The Philadelphia Inquirer, "Pennsylvania Democrats poised to allow vote on voter ID bill after years of opposition"
  • American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania (ACLU-PA), "House Bill 771: A New Voter ID Bill in Pennsylvania"
  • Pennsylvania State Legislature, House Bill 771
  • Pennsylvania State Legislature, House Bill 797 (sweeping reform bill)
  • A 2020 survey conducted by the Philadelphia Inquirer and the Morning Call, "Pennsylvania voters' views on early voting"