Since last week's court ruling blocking Pennsylvania's voter ID law, the state has appeared to be in no rush to let voters know that the law is no longer in effect for the November election, and that an ID is no longer required. Both Lean Forward and The Rachel Maddow Show (see video above) have reported on the various ways in which the Republican state administration is dragging its heels.
But in terms of reducing confusion, the instructions that the state gives to county election boards are among the most crucial pieces of the puzzle. So what has Pennsylvania told the counties since last week?
The email below, obtained by Lean Forward, was sent by the office of Secretary of State Carol Aichele to county election administrators last Tuesday, the day of the court's ruling. It appears to fall far short of a clear declaration that photo ID is no longer required.
Instead, it tells local election officials they "MUST" (all caps in the original) ask voters for ID, but adds that voters "will not be required to vote by provisional ballot in the event that they do not show proof of identification"—a mixed message that appears to have the potential to cause confusion among county election administrators.
The email informs counties that an updated handout will be provided, but several county election directors that Lean Forward spoke to Tuesday said they were yet to receive the handout.
The court ruled that the ID requirement could remain in effect, but could not apply to this fall's election. The ruling said poll workers could still ask for ID this year, but that voters who lack it can still vote, and can't be made to cast a provisional ballot.
Here's the full email:
Good Afternoon,
Based on the order from Commonwealth Court today, the Department offers the following guidance as you prepare for the November election:
· The Court’s order effectively provides for another “soft rollout” for the November election. All voters MUST be asked to show proof of identification, but they will not be required to vote by provisional ballot in the event that they do not show proof of identification. Please use handouts, as you did in the Primary, to explain Voter ID. The updated handout will be provided tomorrow.
· Please note that the “first-time voter” requirements that were in place prior to September 17, 2012 will apply in the November 6 General Election. Therefore, those voters who are required under the Help America Vote Act and/or the Pennsylvania Election Code to provide identification will still be required to provide identification at the November 6 General Election.
· The polling place posters that were handed out at the conference (or mailed) should not be posted at polling places, but rather stored for future use, if necessary.
· If you have already ordered the updated provisional ballot receipts and did not retain old provisional ballot receipt stock, you may implement either of the following 2 strategies:
1. Redact the 2nd and 3rd paragraphs of the new provisional ballot receipt, as shown in the attached example, which is entitled Provisional Ballot Receipt_w.redaction.
2. Detach the provisional ballot receipt from the bar-coded portion of provisional ballot label and hand out to each voter the attached receipt, which is entitled Provisional Ballot Receipt_OLD TYPE.
· The new voter registration and absentee ballot applications can still be utilized. The Court’s order DOES NOT enjoin or otherwise alter the requirements of Act 18 relating to absentee balloting. The Act 18 proof of identification requirements for absentee voters remain in effect.
A spokesman for the Secretary of State's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment as to whether and when additional guidance would be provided to the counties.
Leave a Comment:
Treasonous and anti-American and anti-constitutional behavior and just who do these people think that they are opposing a judges rule !
Lying is the Republicans default position.
Well you have to show ID to see Barry at any of his farewell tours, so why should it be an issue to show ID to vote him out of office?
IF these governors are so concerned about their states deficits and spending ; then Why are they using taxpayer dollars to increase the deficits in order to Obstruct the voters rights ?
Because it isn't required. Saying it is is called lying.
See post #1.1
The judge needs to put the Sec of state in contempt. His actions are criminal.
Treasonous BS is exactly what it is.
The Republicans are defying the will of the courts and the will of the American People.
And if Romney steals this election through polling place election fraud, this country will fall.
Huh???? Voting should be a simple thing. I do not have a problem with showing an ID that means you are a US citizen. I do have a big problem with Republican governors who try to impose new rules too close to an election. It is also only Republican governors who are trying to block the vote, especially in Democratic districts. Voter suppression is never OK, no matter who is trying it. No one in state government is above the law and court rulings must apply immediately. Challenge to the Supreme court if they want, but institute the lower court's ruling immediately.
Where is the DOJ ??
The judge basically told them they could still ask for it but that people didn't have to have it in order to vote.
This is the core of the problem...the idiot judge who made this confusing ruling. He should have simply said that the law should not go into effect until next election..PERIOD!
I have wondered the same thing. State's rights? Have there been any Democrat Govs doing this? If not it is obvious that Repubs are suppressing Democrat votes which should be considered a political attempt to help Repubs. Wonder what the young Middle Eastern democracies think of America when such a thing is not stopped.
So you have to have lots of people outside the polls with signs telling them the new voter ID is not required to vote... they can ask but you can still vote without it.
The republicans working to suppress the vote should be ashamed. They are unworthy of public office and they also don't deserve to vote.
Republicans are un-worthy of being called Americans. They are only worthy of serving time in federal prison, for violating the U S Constitution.
i guess we will have to ask ed schultz to use his ID any time he votes. Jauary 16, 2010 show..he stated he would vote ten times to keep republican scott brown from getting elected, anything to keep those republican BASTARDS out of office..
http://youtu.be/z-VXHNtHzCI
The progressive forces need to get the messageout to voters you will be asked but you don;t have to have photo ID =don;t be intimidated and don;t let them tell you you have to have them
The Republicans, who claim to be Christians and patriots, have been lying to the people and themselves. They have done everything possible to suppress the right for people to vote, intimidated those who are voting, and consistently lied about their policies (budget cuts, vouchers for medicare, take out medicaid, lying to those who may have pre conditions, privatizing education, and the list goes on and on.
If you have to be a liar and take the peoples rights, to win an election, you are not worth the people's vote. I am sick of Romney and Ryan. They make me sick!!!. This is the United States of America, not communist China.
The Republicans, who claim to be Christians and patriots, have been lying to the people and themselves. They have done everything possible to suppress the right for people to vote, intimidated those who are voting, and consistently lied about their policies (budget cuts, vouchers for medicare, take out medicaid, lying to those who may have pre conditions, privatizing education), and the list goes on and on.
If you have to be a liar and take the peoples rights, to win an election, you are not worth the people's vote. I am sick of Romney and Ryan. They make me sick!!!. This is the United States of America, not communist China.
I live in CONNECTICUT if someone tried to stop me from voting i tell you they will an army of republicans especially that done guy,fron penn.
What are democrats afraid of by making picture ID mandatory as it should be..by your way off thinking, why have security at a bank thats never been robbed....Libs just don't believe in people being responsible just government control because they can't think for themselves.......
The reason banks need security is because there are people who want what the banks have in them. The reason voting is not like a bank is there is no reason for anyone to vote as someone else and even then you have to be a registered voter, leave it to the GOP to solve problems that don't exist.
jerry,
it is repubs who want CONTROL over, who want REGULATIONS ON, the voter ID issue, AND they will take it any way they can get it.
what's the difference between "gov't control" or "states rights gov't control" if people are LOSING THEIR RIGHTS?
repubs are ALL FOR GOV'T REGULATIONS ON VOTING RIGHTS, FEDERAL OR STATE.
I thought you all hated regulations.
voter registration card is proof enough that you have gone and proved who you are!
Now if they wish to add a photo to the registration card that can be done in a timely manner after the 11/6 election, just like they added a photo to your drivers license.
It took a few years to implement not 6 months like they are trying with this.
They can ask for but you don't need to show ID