Pennsylvania requests ID the first time you vote in your precinct. This rule affects first-time voters and anyone who has moved and is voting at a new precinct. Pennsylvania voters also must provide ID information when requesting a mail-in or absentee ballot. The lists of what types of identification are accepted is inconsistent between in-person and mail-in or absentee voting and may be confusing to voters. While a current driver’s license or PennDOT ID card is an accepted ID to vote in person or by mail, a recent study found 21% of our voting population either has no driver’s license or their license does not have their current name and address.
The League of Women Voters of Westmoreland County (LWVWC) is a nonpartisan organization that focuses on encouraging active participation in our democracy by voting. To help citizens become active voters, the LWVWC has partnered with VoteRiders, another nonpartisan organization, that helps people identify and secure the documents required to vote. For example, to get a driver’s license or PennDOT ID card, VoteRiders will provide a free ride to PennDOT offices and cover the cost of required documents.
For help getting an ID to vote, contact Vote Riders: www.voteriders.org/states/pennsylvania. For more information on voting, visit the LWVWC website: www.lwv- westmoreland.org.
Becky Wyss
Murrysville
Krystle M. Knight
Manchester