Local Political Committees React to Voter ID Law Decision

Local political committee people reacted to the news on Wednesday that the Pennsylvania Voter ID law was upheld in court.

Brian Miles, Chairman of the Whitpain Township Republican Committee, said, “The Judge's ruling upholds common sense.  A person presenting themselves to vote should have to show some kind of proof that they are who they say they are.  The law is sound.  It's the education and implementation of the law that have been botched in Pennsylvania, not the validity of the law itself.”

It is an interference with a fundamental right in our democracy, a right to vote, Sibby Phiambolis, Wissahickon Democratic Committee Co-Chair, told Patch.
"I believe it will have an impact on those that will be able to vote."

She added that there will be a disproportionate impact on certain voter groups that will be able to vote in November, including: Students, lower income, elderly, and minority peoples. SHe said this is proven by the evidence of this law.

"Instead of thinking of easy to broaden participation [in voting], our legislature have come up with a way to limit peoples right to vote," Phiambolis said.
"I hope the Pennsylvania Supreme Court will overturn and reverse this decision," she added.

"I'm happy," said, Bill Wanger, Lower Gwynedd Republican Committee Chairman, "I think it's good for the country…good for America."

He told Patch we all want elections to be fair, and that the argument that it's bad for the elderly, bad for Hispanics, is not really true.

Wanger explained that is you want to take the SATs, purchase alcohol, get into most federal buildings, start a new job, or open a bank account, you need a photo ID, so most people have them anyway.

"Everybody needs [and ID] for everything," he said.

And, he added, that society should be helping those without a photo ID to obtain one.

"You have to show photo ID for so many other things, why should this be an exception?" Wanger said.

Matt Cooley, Wissahickon Democratic Committee Municipal Chair for Ambler Borough said in an e-mail to Patch, “I have not read the opinion yet.  But on its face it is a major disappointment.  There are virtually zero cases of actual fraud that Republicans can cite as justification for the law, so it is a solution to a problem that does not exist.  If you consider if from the point of view of Republicans, the "problem" for them is that minorities vote; and this law works to prevent that.  That is all it is meant to do: Repress minority votes.  House Majority Leader Mike Turzai's (R-Allegheny) said as much.  Today is a sad day in Pennsylvania.”

Shelly Waldman, Wissahickon Democratic Committee Co-Chair, said, "I think it is a very sad day for Pennsylvania voters."

She continued, "There is not voter fraud in Pennsylvania. Republicans have admitted there is no voter fraud in Pennsylvania."

She told Patch that may voters will be disenfranchised during the "very important election" for "absolutely no reason."

Waldman explained that it is very difficult to get a voter ID and have to make an concerted effort to get one.

She said to get a proper voter ID, a person needs their birth certificate, or their social security card, as well as two proofs of residence. She added that there are only two Penndot centers in Montgomery County where people can get a voter ID - Norristown and Huntingdon Valley.

She said she's not sure how many people during this election are without proper voter ID, but said, "It's not just a few people - this is a major thing."
She add, "A lot of people don't know about it."

Waldman said during a general presidential election, Montgomery County will see approximately an 80 percent turnout of voters.

"It's a way to steal the election," said Waldman.

"Our democracy is being compromised. This is one of the worst laws ever," she said.

Mary-Anne Childers, a poll worker at Lower Gwynedd 2-1, said "I am very pleased with the fact that it was upheld because…I of a lot less important things than vote and have to show my drivers license."

Childers told Patch that at Lower Gwynedd 2-1, which polls at the Lower Gwynedd Township Building, has two retirement communities that vote there, but the poll workers had been proactive in the beginning to get the seniors proper photo identification.

"It isn't a big trauma," said Childers.

State Representative Kate Harper (R-61), told Patch that if anyone is worried that they do not have proper ID or needs help getting identification, they can contact Harper's Blue Bell office at 610-277-3230 or visit her website to learn more about the voter ID law.