York County News

The upcoming 2024 General Election on November 5 will require first-time voters to present identification in order to cast their ballots. This requirement applies to voting for positions such as the president and vice president, U.S. House and Senate members, state House and Senate members in odd-numbered senatorial districts, and state row offices like attorney general, auditor general, and treasurer.

In Pennsylvania, showing an ID is mandated only for first-time voters. Despite this limited application, there is significant public support for requiring voter ID at every election. A Pew Research Center survey from 2024 shows that over 81% of Americans are in favor of photo identification requirements for voting. A Gallup poll from July 2022 further supports this view with findings that 77% of people of color and 80% of white adults agree with such measures. Additionally, a Franklin & Marshall College poll from 2021 indicated that 74% of Pennsylvanians across political affiliations support voter ID laws.

However, efforts to implement broader voter ID requirements have faced obstacles in the Pennsylvania House due to partisan rules. House Bill 891, which proposes a voter identification constitutional amendment, has been stalled in the House State Government Committee for over a year. A discharge petition initiated by House Republicans in March aims to advance the bill but requires signatures from at least 25 Democrats and 25 Republicans to proceed.

State Representative Kate Klunk expressed urgency regarding the matter: "If it doesn’t clear that hurdle this year, the General Assembly must start the process over again from scratch, delaying the process by a minimum of two more years." She emphasized the importance of election integrity and stated her commitment to advocating for voter ID laws: "Every eligible person in Pennsylvania and the nation should have the right to vote... I will continue to be an advocate for this critical issue."

Pennsylvania residents who wish to participate in the upcoming election must register by October 21. Registration can be completed online at www.pavoterservices.pa.gov or through county elections offices.

For additional information about voting or registration processes, residents can contact their state representative's office or reach out directly to Representative Kate Klunk's office at 717-630-8942.