Update: The Pennsylvania House of Representatives approved the voter ID bill on March 14 and it was promptly signed into law by Governor Corbett. As the Associated Press reported: “In the signing ceremony at his Capitol offices, Corbett called the new law a preventive measure, but he could not offer examples of voter fraud to back up his contention that the crime has occurred in certain precincts in the past.” Read more from the AP.
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives may vote as soon as today on legislation that would enact a costly voter identification law in the state.
Update: The Pennsylvania House of Representatives approved the voter ID bill on March 14 and it was promptly signed into law by Governor Corbett. As the Associated Press reported: “In the signing ceremony at his Capitol offices, Corbett called the new law a preventive measure, but he could not offer examples of voter fraud to back up his contention that the crime has occurred in certain precincts in the past.” Read more from the AP.
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives may vote as soon as today on legislation that would enact a costly voter identification law in the state.
After proposing large cuts to education, child care and homeless services, the Governor and Legislature want to spend $11 million on a measure that will put up barriers to people who want to exercise their right to vote.
The state Senate approved the bill by a vote of 26 to 23 on Wednesday. That sent the bill back to the House for another vote. If passed by the House, it will go to Governor Tom Corbett’s desk for his signature. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more on the bill.
If you find this as troubling as we do, take a minute and tell your House lawmakers to reject this costly Voter ID Bill (HB 934). The link takes you to the web site of Project H.O.M.E., where you can find your House lawmaker and send him or her a message.
Meanwhile, as the state House prepares to consider this bill, The Associated Press is reporting that the U.S. Justice Department has moved to block a voter ID law in Texas:
The Justice Department’s civil rights division on Monday objected to a new photo ID requirement for voters in Texas because many Hispanic voters lack state-issued identification.
Texas is the second state in recent months to become embroiled in a court battle with the Justice Department over photo ID requirements for voters.
The Justice Department said Texas officials failed to show that the newly enacted law has neither a discriminatory purpose nor effect….
In December, the Justice Department rejected South Carolina’s voter ID law on grounds it makes it harder for minorities to cast ballots. It was the first voter ID law to be rejected by the department in nearly 20 years.