HARRISBURG – Today, Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-24) announced she will introduce legislation calling for a constitutional amendment to enhance Pennsylvania’s election security by requiring voters to present identification when voting in person.
Voter ID requirements are common throughout the country. Thirty-six states have some form of requirement for a citizen to show ID to vote; Pennsylvania is among the 14 states that do not. Voters have 15 ID options approved by the Pennsylvania Department of State. Any individual who does not possess a valid form of ID could receive one at no cost to ensure no voter is prevented from participating in the election process.
“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,” said Pennycuick. “Voters support this commonsense requirement, IDs are not difficult to obtain, and there is no evidence requiring an ID when voting in person negatively effects turnout.”
Requiring voter ID receives wide-ranging support in Pennsylvania. A June 2021 poll from Franklin and Marshall College found that 74 percent of respondents, including 77 percent of Independents, favored identification requirements.
Voter ID laws stop multiple types of fraud, such as impersonating another registered voter, preventing noncitizens from voting, and stopping out-of-state residents or someone registered in multiple jurisdictions.
Constitutional amendments must pass both chambers in two consecutive legislative sessions to be placed on the ballot.
CONTACT: Matt Szuchyt (215) 541-2388