South Central PA News

HARRISBURG – Reps. Thomas Kutz (R-Cumberland) and Torren Ecker (R-Adams/Cumberland) are advocating for a proposed constitutional amendment to mandate voter identification at polling stations. The representatives have begun soliciting support from their legislative colleagues through a co-sponsorship memo, seeking bipartisan backing for the forthcoming legislation.

“Every eligible person should have the right to vote and be able to exercise that right freely and with confidence that his or her vote counts. Eligibility needs to be established, however, through identification, which is not unlike the ID cards we need to show at a doctor’s office, a bank, or even a library,” Kutz stated.

Ecker added, “Pennsylvanians overwhelmingly support and want voter identification, and they should have the right to vote to add this measure to the Pennsylvania Constitution.”

According to public polling data, a significant majority of Pennsylvanians favor identification requirements. A 2021 poll by Franklin & Marshall College found that 74% of respondents supported such measures. The Legislature previously approved language for a potential constitutional amendment in its 2021-22 session. If identical language is passed again in the 2023-24 session, as planned by Kutz and Ecker, the issue would be placed on ballots for voters to decide if the State Constitution should be amended.

The proposed amendment would include both photo and non-photo options among acceptable forms of voter ID. Additionally, Kutz and Ecker advocate for making ID cards free for individuals who cannot afford them.

For more information:

Representative Thomas Kutz

87th District

Pennsylvania House of Representatives

Media Contact: Jennifer Fitch

717.260.6335

Representative Torren Ecker

193rd Legislative District

Pennsylvania House of Representatives

Media Contact: Greg Gross

717.260.6374