HARRISBURG — Gov, Tom Corbett today signed a bill to require voters to show photo identification before they can cast a vote in the November general election.
By a 104-88 vote the House approved the bill that supporters say will reduce the potential for voter fraud but opponents say will prevent some senior citizens and low-income people without ID from voting.
"I am signing this bill because it protects a sacred principle, one shared by every citizen of the nation. That principle is: One person, one vote," Corbett said.
As for threats of lawsuits from opponents, Corbett said, "The law is passed. If someone challenges it, we will defend it."
"This bill should be retitled as the 'Republican Voter Suppression Act,' " said Rep. Bill Kortz, D-Dravosburg.
But Rep. Tim Krieger, R-Delmont, said the bill is "a common-sense response" to concerns over voter fraud, especially in urban areas.
The state will provide free photo ID cards to people who don't drive. The law is effective immediately. People who don't have photo IDs can get a card starting Thursday from PennDOT, Corbett said.
Other ID that will be acceptable includes municipal government ID, a college or university ID, military ID and passports.
In the April 24 primary, voters will be warned they must have the ID for the November election. "The primary election will be a dry run," said Corbett.
If the law is successful, there will be increased participation in elections, Corbett said. That was the effect in other states that approved voter ID, he said. It would be hard to measure fraud that is prevented, much like a homeowner with a home security system won't necessarily know about burglars who were thwarted or didn't try, Corbett said.
"The point is this is a law of prevention — to prevent voter fraud," said Corbett.
