The Senate Appropriations Committee approved a Republican sponsored bill that would amend the state constitution to require Pennsylvanians to show identififcation every time they vote.
Because in-person voters have the privacy of a voting booth, or at least something vaguely resembles a voting booth, officials at the polls would not be able to see for whom they voted.
But it’s hard to imagine how those who vote by mail would have the benefit of a secret vote if they are required to provide some form of I.D. in the envelope with their ballot.
Pennsylvania State Senator Judy Ward
According to PennCapitalStar.com, Democratic Senator Anthony Williams’ asked Republican Senator Judy Ward, the bill’s sponsor, how the sanctity of mail-in ballots would be protected. Ward did not respond to Williams’ question, but she did say, “This constitutional amendment is for voter ID. This will go on the ballot and the specific process will be worked out with the Department of State, and it can be worked out through legislation.”