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Pennsylvania

freeandequalpa

(45 posts)

24. Here's the issue

Reply to Curmudgeoness (Original post)

Thu Aug 2, 2012, 10:36 PM

Aug 2012

The photo ID law says that an ID only is valid if it:

"shows the name of the individual to whom the document was issued and the name substantially conforms to the name of the individual as it appears in the district register;"

http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/US/HTM/2012/0/0018..HTM

The law does not say what "substantially conforms" means. So, if the name on the ID you show is not an exact match to the poll book, the poll workers have the discretion to decide whether you vote or not.

What is key to remember, though: If a poll worker tries to pull this, you must INSIST that they let you vote by provisional ballot (they are required to under the law). Then, you will have 6 days after the election to plead your case to your county board of elections (and hire a lawyer, if it comes to that).

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I just found out I will not be able to vote in November. [View all] Curmudgeoness Aug 2012 OP

So every woman in Pa who sometimes lists her maiden name annabanana Aug 2012 #1

Sigh. I just don't know. Curmudgeoness Aug 2012 #2

Maybe me in Texas too catrose Aug 2012 #5

What is really sad is that you are probably one of the very few who checked on this Bjorn Against Aug 2012 #3

I only looked at my voter registration card Curmudgeoness Aug 2012 #4

Believe me..........I'm working the polls and I'm not enforcing............. mrmpa Aug 2012 #7

Follow the law Herlong Aug 2012 #8

I'm saying......... mrmpa Aug 2012 #15

I work at the polls too. I'm at the machine, so not on the desk, but I'm going to urge the women Demit Aug 2012 #34

Sounds good to me............... mrmpa Aug 2012 #35

Voters not realizing that their ID does not qualify will be a big problem if the law is not enjoined freeandequalpa Aug 2012 #23

That is more than 1 out of every 8 people Bjorn Against Aug 2012 #25

Post removed Post removed Aug 2012 #6

Easy fix caine1969 Aug 2012 #9

Some people have trouble figuring out what to eat Herlong Aug 2012 #12

It is easier to change the name on the voter registration. Curmudgeoness Aug 2012 #21

Are you sure they are talking about a list of people who can't vote? creeksneakers2 Aug 2012 #10

This message was self-deleted by its author Herlong Aug 2012 #16

I am not sure about anything, except that I want no problems in November. Curmudgeoness Aug 2012 #22

K&R burrowowl Aug 2012 #11

Can you still re-register? aggiesal Aug 2012 #13

This message was self-deleted by its author aggiesal Aug 2012 #14

My drivers license and voter registrations don't match either. Lugnut Aug 2012 #17

Voter Registration Names PADemD Aug 2012 #18

Excellent point, and we all should do this, Curmudgeoness Aug 2012 #20

UPDATE: I just talked to the election office for my county. Curmudgeoness Aug 2012 #19

Republican poll watcher can challenge a voter JPZenger Aug 2012 #28

They can't challenge me anymore! Curmudgeoness Aug 2012 #30

Here's the issue freeandequalpa Aug 2012 #24

I personally know all my polling place workers. Lugnut Aug 2012 #26

Even if your mother is working the polls, she's supposed to send you to the paper ballot JPZenger Aug 2012 #27

I voted in the primary with no issues. Lugnut Aug 2012 #31

Provisional ballot is really the key. Curmudgeoness Aug 2012 #29

Think it'll matter in a "Republican" district? durablend Aug 2012 #32

The knife cuts both ways. Curmudgeoness Aug 2012 #33