Pennsylvania recently passed, and enacted, a new voter ID law which will be in place and enforced in the upcoming November 2012 elections. Below is a summary from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDot) on how to comply with the law. Also, is how to obtain an ID which meets the requirements of the law.
For more information go to the PennDot link at: https://www.dmv.pa.gov/Pages/default.aspx/voter/voteridlaw.shtml
New Voter ID Law Proof of identification for voting purposes. If a voter does not POSSESS PROOF OF IDENTIFICATION FOR VOTING PURPOSES as defined at section 102(z.5)(2) of the Pennsylvania Election Code (25 P.S. § 2602(z.5)(2)) and requires proof of identification for voting purposes, the following applies:
You must declare under oath or affirmation by completing the Oath/ Affirmation Voter ID form that you do not possess any of the following forms of identification:
In particular:
- Identification issued by the United States Government that includes my name, a photograph, and an expiration date that is not expired.*
- Identification issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania that includes my name, a photograph, and an expiration date that is not expired (unless issued by the Department of Transportation, then the expiration of the identification cannot be more than 12 months past the expiration date).
- Identification issued by a municipality of this Commonwealth to an employee of that municipality that includes my name, a photograph, and an expiration date that is not expired.
- Identification issued by an accredited Pennsylvania public or private institution of higher learning that includes my name, a photograph, and an expiration date that is not expired.
- Identification issued by a Pennsylvania care facility that includes my name, a photograph, and an expiration date that is not expired.
*In the case of a document from an agency of the armed forces of the United States or their reserve components, including the Pennsylvania National Guard, that establishes the voter as a current member or a veteran of the United States Armed Forces or National Guard and that does not designate a specific date on which the document expires, the document must include a notation indicating that the expiration is indefinite. $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 *Students at least 18 years of age: Accepted proofs of residency include the room assignment paperwork (considered a lease) and one bill with their dorm room address on it. Bank statements, pay stubs and credit card bills are all acceptable. Other Individuals who may not have any bills, leases or mortgage documents in their name may bring the person with whom they are living along with their Driver’s License or Photo ID to a driver license center as one proof of residence.
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 Obtaining a Photo ID Find a Driver’s License Center Near You.
The Schmidt Kramer Personal Injury Lawyers in Pennsylvania can answer any questions you may have if you are injured in Harrisburg, South Central Pennsylvania and around the Commonwealth, especially if you or a loved one have been seriously injured by another person’s negligence or recklessness.
Scott B. Cooper
Schmidt Kramer PC
209 State Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101