Image

7:28 AM / Friday March 29, 2024

12 Mar 2012

Senate committee passes Pennsylvania voter ID bill to floor

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
March 12, 2012 Category: Week In Review Posted by:

By Charles Thompson

The Patriot-News

 

The Pennsylvania state Senate Appropriations Committee voted 15-11 last week to send a bill requiring voters to produce a photo identification card at their polling place to the full Senate.

 

The bill, House Bill 934, is expected to receive final consideration there on Wednesday.

 

The bill drew solid support in committee from members of the Senate Republican majority, which put up all 15 votes for the measure. One Republican, Sen. Mary Jo White, R-Venango County, joined the 10 Democrats in voting no.

 

Democrats railed against the bill as a measure designed to suppress voter turnouts in heavily-Democratic cities, where there are larger concentrations of poor and minority voters who may not have identification cards now.

 

Sen. Vincent Hughes, D-Philadelphia, pointed to a report from the U.S. Department of Justice stating that of 300 million votes cast in federal elections between 2002 and 2007, there were only 86 documented cases of identification-related fraud.

 

“This is all about voter suppression,” Hughes said.

 

Supporters countered that the measure is a simple addition to current law to help boost voter confidence in the election process.

 

“In today’s society, the production of a photo ID is a regular part of daily life,” said Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi, R-Delaware County.

 

Supporters also noted that persons appearing without a card on election day – the bill would take effect for the November election – will still be able to cast a provisional ballot, with six days to verify their identity. In addition, the bill makes provision for the state to provide free non-driver photo identification cards to anyone who needs one.

 

If the bill passes the Senate, it would still need a final ratification by the House, where a similar version passed in June.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Leave a Comment

Recent News

Philly NAACP

March 24, 2024

March 17, 2024

Tweet Email Tweet Email Related Posts Philadelphia Judicial Primary Candidates At A Glance Guide Philadelphia Judicial Candidates...

Commentary

cj speaks…The call to order

March 23, 2024

Tweet Email Philadelphia’s recent travesties continue to be highlighted in the news: the ongoing shooting incidents, train...

Health

Combatting loneliness in older adults

March 17, 2024

Tweet Email FAMILY FEATURES The bonds found in friendships and other relationships are an important factor in...

Home and Garden

So, You want to build a retaining wall: 6 things to know before you start

March 3, 2024

Tweet Email BPT When you want to enhance your outdoor living space, consider building with retaining wall...

Fur Babies Rule!

Dog grooming advice to keep pets clean and healthy

March 2, 2024

Tweet Email FAMILY FEATURESRegular grooming can keep your dog looking and smelling his or her best, but...

Seniors

‘Soaring’ over hills or ‘playing’ with puppies, study finds seniors enjoy virtual reality

February 23, 2024

Tweet Email By Terry Spencerassociated press POMPANO BEACH, Fla. — Retired Army Col. Farrell Patrick taught computer...

The Philadelphia Sunday Sun Staff