by ANDREA FRENCH Section Editor
A new law passed in Pennsylvania states that all voters must present a valid form of photo ID in order to vote, which will be enforced beginning at this year’s presidential election on November 6, and from now on.
Officials claim this measure is to verify that you are who you say you are. The forms of ID that are accepted include photo IDs issued by the U.S. Federal Government or the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, PA driver’s license or non-driver’s license, valid US passport, U.S. military ID, employee photo ID, photo ID from an accredited PA public or private institution of higher learning, and photo ID issued by a PA care facility, including long-term care facilities, assisted living residences or personal care homes.IDs are valid for voting purposes up to 12 months, or one year, after their expiration date.
“This new law has people so outraged for what seems to be no reason at all. So the government asks voters to present photo ID at voting; everyone has a Photo ID anyway so it is really not a huge deal,” says sophomore Samantha Fasbach.
For voters who do not have any of the photo IDs listed above, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) will provide a free Department of State voter ID.
“I have heard so much commotion about this new law, and I honestly do not see anything at all wrong with it. There are so many people who are complaining that the poor people in the state of PA can’t afford ID, but then the state’s department of transportation is offering free voter’s IDs,” says sophomore Taylor Zeni.
There are many Pennsylvanian’s who want to get rid of the law, arguing that it is discriminatory. Various state hearings being held to determine the final outcome of the law. “I find it kind of ridiculous that there are some people who don’t think that this new law is justifiable,” says sophomore Catarina Santo.