House passes voter ID bill

HARRISBURG -- A bill that would require voters to present a photo ID at their polling place was approved by the state House on Thursday night.

The measure, approved 108-88, would require nearly all voters to present a government-issued photo ID that includes their name and an expiration date. Under current law, voters may present other forms of identification such as student or employee ID cards.

A Senate Republican spokesman said the bill probably would not be considered until the fall session.

Supporters say the measure is needed to eliminate voter fraud. Opponents argue it would create unnecessary roadblocks for voters and disenfranchise minorities and low-income people.

Voter ID laws, which are traditionally backed by Republicans and opposed by Democrats, have been a hot topic since the 2010 elections, which left Republicans with control of 59 chambers of state legislatures and 29 governorships.

Rep. Paul Clymer, R-Bucks, said requiring voters to show photo IDs is a "small price to pay ... considering that our democracy rests on fair and honest elections. It is a standard to protect the political process."

If the bill becomes law, it would cost the state $4.3 million and require PennDOT to issue a free non-driver photo ID to residents who otherwise would not be able to vote.

Residents could incur expenses when seeking to obtain a photo ID if they must first obtain proof of ID, such as an original birth certificate, Democrats say.

Rep. Dan Frankel, D-Squirrel Hill, said the bill is aimed at disenfranchising the "bus riders" -- senior and low-income residents and students -- who often do not have driver's licenses.

Pennsylvania would be the third state to enact photo ID legislation this year, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Thirteen states nationwide have election photo ID requirements.