Free Voter ID Now Available at PennDOT Centers

By Eric Boehm | PA Independent

HARRISBURG — Pennsylvanians have nine weeks and counting to get a valid photo ID in order to vote in November’s general election.

The state Department of Transportation began issuing free special “voting-only” photo ID cards at drivers’ license centers statewide last week. In the Lehigh Valley, the

Residents who want the new ID card will need to provide their name, address, Social Security number and proof of residency. Applicants must complete an application form and sign a document affirming they are registered to vote, but have no other form of identification that can be used at the polls.

“Our goal is to ensure that every person who needs an ID can get one, and this new ID serves as a safety net for those who can’t find or obtain verification documents normally required for a PennDOT secure identification card,” said Barry Schoch, the state Secretary of Transportation, in a statement.

Pennsylvania’s voter ID law was passed in March and upheld by Commonwealth Court Judge Robert Simpson earlier this month.

Supporters of the law say it will stamp out voter fraud and ensure all votes are cast legitimately.

Opponents say voters will have a difficult time getting the necessary identification before Nov. 6, in part because there are not PennDOT license centers in all 67 counties.

The voter ID appeal is scheduled to go before the state Supreme Court on Sept. 13 in Philadelphia. The court also will hear oral arguments on the revised state redistricting maps that day.

Contact Eric at Eric@PAIndependent.com or follow @PAIndependent on Twitter.