Letter to the Editor: Voter ID Law Will Jeopardize Voting Ability

U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz issued the following statement Wednesday after Commonwealth Court Judge Robert Simpson ruled not to block the law that requires every Pennsylvania voter to show a valid photo ID before being allowed to vote. 

“It is extremely disappointing that the Court would jeopardize the ability of tens of thousands of registered Pennsylvania voters to cast their ballots this November. 

“The real issue should be how to simplify access to the voting process to engage more voters to come out and cast their ballot. Instead, the Court's decision today to enable the Governor and the State Legislature to impose greater obstacles to voting defies understanding and is un-American.

“There is much to do in a short time to ensure that voters across Pennsylvania have the information they need and access to the remedies required to allow them to vote this November. This will not be easy. And while civic organizations and campaigns will do their best, it is essential that State offices are available to potential voters to enable them to get the official ID they need to vote.

“I am committed to working over the coming months to ensure that Pennsylvanians are prepared to meet these requirements and have their voices heard.”