October 31, 2005

The Honorable Charles D. Lemmond, Chairman

State Government Committee

Senate Box 203020

177 Main Capitol Building

Harrisburg, PA 17120

Dear Senator Lemmond:

The League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania strongly opposes amendments to HB 1318 that would require all voters to present a photo ID at the polls before voting and that would disenfranchise felons who are on probation or parole. The League's mission is to encourage participation in voting. These amendments would have the opposite effect.

The universal photo ID requirement would have the effect of creating two classes of voters in Pennsylvania—those who have a photo ID because they drive, are employed, go to school or otherwise engage in other activities which require an ID, and those who must obtain an ID specifically in order to vote. Such a requirement would selectively impact the elderly

and the poor and have the effect of discouraging their participation in this most fundamental right. There is no evidence that photo ID requirements prevent fraud. On the contrary, such a provision places an added burden on poll workers and can slow down the voting process and result in long waiting times at the polls.

The League believes that felons who are released from prison, including those on probation or parole, should be encouraged to participate in all aspects of civic life as part of their return to society.

We urge the committee to reject these amendments and to instead focus on much needed changes to the Election Code that would encourage participation in voting such as the recommendations in the 2006 report from the Governors Election Reform Task Force.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Milner

President

CC: Members of the Senate State Government Committee