Sen. Kim Ward’s op-ed “A step toward election integrity in Pa.” (July 24, TribLIVE) was riddled with dangerous ideas that will restrict voting access, all seemingly based on the “voter fraud” lie propagated by Donald Trump. According to all 50 states’ secretaries of state, there was no widespread voter fraud that would have changed the outcome of the 2020 presidential election. Even William Barr, Trump’s attorney general, stated there was no fraud. Like Trump, Ward perpetuates “voter fraud” and “stolen election” lies.
Ward promotes Act 88 requiring a “voter ID” be presented each time a citizen votes in person. Such a requirement, according to the ACLU, would reduce voter turnout by 2.3%. Today, 25% of Black voters and 8% of white voters do not possess a “voter ID.” Disenfranchising them restricts mostly Democratic Party voters.
Already Pennsylvania requires a “voter ID” to be presented before a citizen votes for the first time. Requiring it for follow-on votes is useless and prejudicial. Act 88 restricts other methods of voting (mail-in voting, stand-alone voting boxes, etc.).
Each Pennsylvania county has an election board staffed with citizens of both political parties overseeing the voting and tabulation process. Elections are then certified by the Pennsylvania secretary of state. Why does Act 88 ask the General Assembly to ask the auditor general to “audit” an election? The General Assembly is a highly political group that has no business asking for an audit.
Ward and others who believe as she does are a threat to free, fair and honest elections in this country.
Kenneth Powell
New Kensington