|
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
| State Rep. Mike Sturla
| State Rep. Sid Michaels Kavulich |
|
|
|
House Democratic Policy Committee examines new voter ID law
WAVERLY, April 11 – Members of the House Democratic Policy heard from local election officials and advocates for the disabled, seniors and voters regarding the impact Pennsylvania’s new Voter ID law may have on this year’s elections at a public hearing today in Waverly, Lackawanna County, said committee Chairman Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster.
State Rep. Sid Michaels Kavulich, D-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Susquehanna/Wyoming, had requested the Policy Committee hearing and served as its co-chairman.
The hearing focused on what the public and election officials can expect when Pennsylvania’s new Voter ID law is implemented this year. Testimony included the expected challenges the changes could present to the general public, seniors, veterans and people with disabilities.
“Despite outcry from advocates representing seniors, the disabled community and college students, and likely upcoming court action, Pennsylvania’s Voter ID law is here for the time being,” Sturla said. “We need to begin educating citizens at the grassroots level on what to expect when they go to vote. Representative Kavulich has been a leader first in opposing the new law, and now in educating those who it impacts most.”
“Requiring voters to have photo identification erects an additional barrier for many Pennsylvanians who have been voting all their lives,” Kavulich said. “I voted against this measure before it became law because I believe it will be a deterrent for some of our communities’ most active voters. However, now that is law it is important to educate the public and stakeholders in order to be prepared for what to expect on Election Day.”
Testifiers at the hearing included: Marion Medalis, director of elections, Lackawanna County Department of Elections; Keith Williams, community organizer, NEPA Center for Independent Living; Desiree Hung, associate state director-advocacy, AARP Pennsylvania; Christine Herbener, board member, The League of Women Voters of PA; and members of the public.