Victory For Voters: Voter ID Law Postponed

In a victory for voters, a Pennsylvania court has decided to postpone implementation of the state’s rigid Voter- Photo ID law until next year, after the 2012 Presidential Election.

This decision will ensure that election-year antics do not interrupt a Pennsylvania citizen’s right-to-vote.

The judge determined that even though poll workers can request a Photo- ID, no eligible voter is required to present such an ID to cast their ballot.  In short, you will not need a Photo- ID to vote.

While an appeal to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court is still a possibility, we are hopeful that the judge’s decision will remain in place.  Of course, our firm will continue to monitor this case and provide updates as Election Day draws near.

And, remember, if you are not registered to vote, you  need to do so.  Here are steps on how you register:
In Pennsylvania, the deadline to register to vote is 30 days prior to each election. Applications received after that date will be processed for the next primary, special, municipal or general election.  There are a few ways you can register:

• Register to vote at a county voter registration office, at many state government offices or other designated sites such as state Department of Transportation (PennDOT) photo license centers.
• For information on county registration offices and other locations where voter registration is possible, go to www.votespa.com . You can also call 1-877-VOTESPA.
• Mail your voter registration form or hand deliver it to your county voter registration office.
• Visit https://www.pavoterservices.state.pa.us/ to verify your registration has been received and that you are registered. Be sure to verify your registration before the deadline to register.

ABSENTEE VOTING
If you are unable to vote in person, here is how you get an absentee ballot:

• You need a reason for voting absentee. Find a full list of acceptable reasons to vote absentee and an absentee ballot application at www.votespa.com. You must provide proof of identification to vote absentee.
• You can apply to vote absentee in person or by mailing in an absentee ballot application to your county election office. You can find your local county election office at www.votespa.com or by calling 1-877-VOTESPA.

PROTECT YOUR VOTE

If you have a voting rights problem, talk to the chief election official or a voting rights volunteer at the polls or call the toll-free nationwide Election Protection Hotline at 1 -866-OUR-VOTE.

Galfand Berger, LLP