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Presidential Election Year 2012

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05/22/2012 05:09 AM

Presidential Election Year 2012

Mike McCracken

Are you a registered voter?  If so, you are a part of the way to participating in this year’s presidential election.  As in every presidential election, this election will make history.  Will President Obama get a 2^nd term?  Will Governor Romney overcome a slow start and gain the title? You can be a part of that decision!   We want you to be a part of history.   America gets great leaders by having informed voters casting ballots.  That means YOU!!!

But this year it will take more than being a registered voter.  You must also hold a valid government issued photo ID.  Starting with this Nov. 6 general election, all Pennsylvania voters must show a driver's license or other specified forms of photo ID before their votes are counted. A voter who lacks the proper ID may cast a provisional ballot, but it won't be counted unless the voter provides photo ID to county election officials within six calendar days of the election.

If you are for or against this law you have plenty of company. 

Pennsylvania’s tough new voter-identification law was challenged in court.  The lawsuit, filed in the state’s Commonwealth Court, said the law violates the state constitution’s “free and equal” elections clause and another clause that establishes qualifications to vote in Pennsylvania.

Fans of the new law said it is needed to combat voter fraud.  They also feel it will allow anyone who needs a photo ID to get one.

Critics point to the absence of any case involving people trying to impersonate voters and have presented real-examples of people unable to obtain proper IDs.

The law made provisions for those without a photo ID. They will be able to acquire a free ID from the state Department of Transportation’s photo centers. 

Taken from http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/voter/voteridlaw.shtml

$13.50 fee for acquiring an Identification Card will be waived for individuals completing the Oath/ Affirmation Voter ID form. All identification documentation is still required to obtain an Identification Card as follows:

Step1
To obtain a Pennsylvania Photo Identification card, an individual needs to visit a Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Driver License Center with a completed Application for an Initial Photo Identification Card; form DL-54A, and the following:

Social Security Card
AND
One of the following:

• Certificate of U.S. Citizenship
• Certificate of Naturalization
• Valid U.S. Passport
• Birth Certificate with a raised seal

PLUS

• Two proofs of *residency such as lease agreements, current utility bills, mortgage documents, W-2 form, tax records

• Step 2
  When their application and supporting documentation have been reviewed and processed, a Driver License Center staff member will direct the applicant to the Photo Center to have their photo taken for their Photo ID card.
• Step 3
  Once their photo has been taken, they will be issued a Photo ID card.
• PennDOT Photo ID Website

There are many changes coming to the federal, state, and local governments.  Have a say in those changes!  Register to vote, get your photo ID, and call, visit, and write your legislators telling them how you feel.

If you have any questions about photo ID or registering to vote, call Voices For Independence 814-874-0064