Pennsylvania Secretary of Commonwealth Urges Participation in Primary Election; Reminds Voters They Will Be Asked But Not Required to Show Photo ID

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 14, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Secretary of the Commonwealth Carol Aichele urged voters to cast ballots in next Tuesday's primary election and reminded voters they will again be asked, but not required, to show photo ID at the polls.

"This will be the third straight election in which voters will be asked, but not required, to show photo ID at the polls, as part of our continuing education efforts about Pennsylvania's Voter ID law," said Aichele, whose department oversees elections.  "Poll workers will give voters without acceptable photo ID information on what IDs are acceptable for voting and how to get a free ID for future elections."

Aichele reminded first time voters, and those casting ballots for the first time at a new polling place, they must show either a photo ID, such as a PA driver's license, or a non-photo ID with the voter's name and address, such as a utility bill. 

As part of the Voter ID law, voters using absentee ballots must include either their PA driver's license number or the last four digits of their Social Security number on their application, as was the case in last November's election.  A court case to decide whether the Voter ID law will be fully implemented is scheduled for July.

"Voters will nominate candidates for judge of the Superior Court, a statewide appellate court, and select nominees for judge of the Court of Common Pleas in counties across the state," Aichele said. "Voters will also choose candidates for the fall election for important local offices, such as district attorney, coroner, mayor, city and borough council, township supervisor, and school board director."

To vote in a party primary, you must be a registered Democrat or Republican.  However, all registered voters can cast ballots in two special elections for the state House of Representatives, in the 42^nd district in Allegheny County, and the 95^th district in York County. 

Voters will again be able to file complaints about the election process online, by visiting www.votespa.com, or www.dos.state.pa.us, and clicking on "Election Complaints."

Complaints will be sent directly to the voter's county board of elections, which has authority to investigate complaints.  Voters can also find out where they vote at the www.votespa.com website.

Media contact: Ron Ruman 717-783-1621

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of State