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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsPA Voter Intimidation: "You are not allowed to tell people the truth and the law?"
I walked in to the polling place, which happens to be my church. I just moved back to the area in the past year, so this was my first time voting here. The process was a little new to me.
When I walked in, there were quite a few people in line, but it was moving quickly. The first person that greets everyone was a nice middle-aged woman. She hands everyone a piece of paper which is a form to fill in everyone's name. The piece of paper with the name gets handed to the people with the signature books so that it's easier for them to find the names in the book. When this woman handed me my paper, she said, "Have your photo ID ready". I looked at her and asked, "But I don't really need it, right?" She responded by saying, "I'm not allowed to say that." My response was, "You are not allowed to tell people the truth and the law?" She said, "I'm just telling you what I was told. You'll have to take it up with the people with the signature books."
I couldn't believe this was happening in my little town. I knew I was going to have to show my ID anyway because I was a first time voter at this polling station. I wasn't expecting this, though.
I've already contacted the Democratic party in my county (Lehigh), and they said my call wasn't the first one they have received with the exact same conversations taking place at other polling stations around the county. They said they are working on it.
I also tried to call 1-866-Our-Vote, but after hanging on the line for quite a while, I was eventually disconnected without ever getting to talk to anyone. Is there anything else that can be done?
MORE:
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/11/06/1156683/-PA-Voter-Intimidation
imanamerican63
(13,798 posts)You should have asked for her ID and see what she would have said???? I live in Nebraska, when I registered and when I voted, I offered my ID! They told me it was not necessary! I wished they would have a federal law, so we all know what is the law!!!!! I am happy you still voted and did not walk away!!!!
KeepItReal
(7,769 posts)Disgusting.
Patiod
(11,816 posts)if they told anyone that ID wasn't necessary.
robinlynne
(15,481 posts)Thav
(946 posts)And with all the voter ID hullaballoo, they have put a big sign that says "OPTIONAL Drivers License Check-In" by the scanner.
Note, OPTIONAL was in as big of a font as they could fit across the page.
I used my DL to check in, because I have one, and it's faster. I smiled to see the sign, though.
spinbaby
(15,090 posts)I was only told that they have to give us a flier about ID requirements if we don't provide ID.
PADemD
(4,482 posts)I refused to show an ID.
HopeHoops
(47,675 posts)If they ask if I HAVE a photo ID, I'll say "yes", but I'm not going to be intimidated into showing it.