Today, Senator Tracy Pennycuick (R-24) announced her intention to introduce legislation aimed at amending the Pennsylvania constitution. The proposed amendment seeks to enhance election security by requiring voters to present identification when voting in person.
Voter ID requirements are already in place in 36 states across the country, while Pennsylvania remains one of the 14 states without such a mandate. Currently, voters in Pennsylvania have access to 15 forms of ID approved by the Department of State. Those who do not possess an acceptable form of ID can obtain one free of charge to ensure full participation in elections.
Senator Pennycuick stated, “As a constitutional amendment, it’s the people of Pennsylvania who are going to decide if voter ID is an important component of our election system.” She added, “Voters support this commonsense requirement, IDs are not difficult to obtain, and there is no evidence requiring an ID when voting in person negatively affects turnout.”
Support for voter ID laws appears strong within the state. A June 2021 poll conducted by Franklin and Marshall College revealed that 74 percent of respondents were in favor of identification requirements, with 77 percent support among Independents.
The implementation of voter ID laws aims to curb various types of electoral fraud. These include impersonation at the polls, preventing noncitizens from voting, and stopping out-of-state residents or individuals registered in multiple jurisdictions from casting ballots.
