Local Legislators Split on Voter ID Law

Republicans call it "common sense," Democrats call it a big waste of money. Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett signed the state's new Voter ID law Wednesday night in Harrisburg shortly after it was approved by the House of Representatives.

The new law requires Pennsylvania voters to present some form of photo identification at the polls. The new law will get a "test run" during the upcoming April 24 Pennsylvania primary election. For the primary election voters may be asked, but will not be required to show a photo ID.  For the general election in the fall voters in Pennsylvania will be required to have a photo ID. Voters who do not have an ID will be allowed to cast a provisional ballot and will then have six days to produce a valid photo ID to have their vote counted.

Click here to read a copy of the bill as passed Wednesday.

Locally, State Representatives Dan Truitt (R-156), Warren Kampf (R-157) and Duane Milne (R-167) voted for the bill.  State Senator Andy Dinniman (D-19)voted against it. Click here to watch Dinniman's speech about the bill on the floor of the senate.

Do you think the new voter photo ID is a way to prevent voter fraud as the Governor and many Republicans argue, or is it a thinly-veiled attempt to surpress votes among the elderly, students and minorities as opponents argue?  Tell us in the comments.