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Pennsylvanians Need Real Election Reform Now
By Sen. Rob Wonderling (R-24)
This week, Governor Ed
Rendell vetoed legislation that would have provided real election reform in
Pennsylvania. I find it surprising that during an election year he would derail
an attempt by the Pennsylvania legislature to clean up the way elections are
run.
As a result of the Governor's
veto, polling places will continue to be allowed in abandoned buildings,
candidates' offices, and private residences. Polling places will also continue
to be located in buildings where alcohol is sold.
The Governor says there is no
evidence of a widespread problem, but in Philadelphia alone, polling places are
located in over 56 private residences, 16 vacant buildings, and 8 bars. I think
most people would agree that voting should not take place in bars.
The Governor himself votes at
a school. Why shouldn't all Pennsylvanians have the right to vote in a facility
that is ADA accessible, has electricity, and is free from intimidation and
political bias?
As a result of the Governor's
veto, military personnel and their families will not be provided more time for
their absentee ballots to be counted. At this time in our nation's history, I
find it extraordinary that we wouldn't do all we could to ensure that the votes
of the men and women who risk their lives for our freedom have every opportunity
for their votes to be counted.
Much has been made of the
provision requiring voters to show some sort of identification when they vote.
Half the states in the nation require voters to prove who they are before they
vote. We require citizens to show identification when we drive, write a check,
and even check out a book at the library. I think it is appropriate for
citizens to show identification when they exercise their right to vote. There
is no evidence to suggest that requiring ID at the polling place inhibits in any
way a person's right to vote.
Last fall, I introduced
Senate Bill 5 to provide comprehensive election reform to ensure that
Pennsylvania elections are conducted fairly. Among other provisions, the bill
creates a statewide standardized election law booklet, removes from voter's
registration lists the names of deceased individuals, bans persons who were
convicted of certain crimes from serving as an election officer, and encourages
that polling places be located in public places. It also increases the time for
absentee ballots to be sent from 70 to 90 days for a general election and
enables military personnel to register to vote and vote over the internet. My
legislation does not require voters to show identification in order to cast a
ballot. Currently, Senate Bill 5 is pending in the State Government Committee.
It's time to pass real
election reform in Pennsylvania. It is my hope that the Governor will consider
this good government alternative measure and sign meaningful election reform
legislation. If citizens are to have faith in their government, it must start
with them having faith in the electoral process.
Senator
Wonderling represents parts of Bucks, Lehigh, Montgomery, and Northampton
counties.
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