Statement by Dr. Mary DeSouza on Pennsylvania's Voter ID Law

The real problem is that people that do not currently have a state-issued photo ID may not have the proper documentation at their fingertips (social security card or birth certificate) in order to get such an ID.  

I’d like readers to consider a scenario showing how challenging getting an ID can be that has nothing to do with voting. I faced such a challenge when my wallet was stolen in college.

Your wallet gets stolen and in the wallet is your driver’s license, it also has your social security card (a big NO NO). You do not have passport ID or other governmental issued ID. You have to go to the DMV to get a new license. They require several forms of ID to prove that you are who you are, included among those are a birth certificate and/or social security card.

I want to ask everyone, do you know where your birth certificate is or your social security card? If you don’t have either of these, how hard would it be to get a replacement? When I was in college, I lived 500 miles from my hometown and had to have a relative go to the city hall to get a copy of my birth certificate. Then with my birth certificate I went to the social security office to get a replacement social security card. Then I was able to go to the DMV and get a license.

Just food for thought. Groups that could be effected by the requirement for ID include elderly that do not have a valid driver’s license or people that do not have cars and do not drive. These groups of people would have to jump through many hoops just to obtain a valid ID. I don’t know how many of such individuals live in Norristown. I think the bigger issue is making sure people know that they have to bring some valid ID with them. So many people are used to coming to vote and are not required to show an ID, especially if they have been polling at the same place for many years.