To The Editor,
In 2014 the courts ruled that the Pennsylvania Voter ID law violated our state constitution. So you can imagine why I was shocked when earlier this month, as I entered the Chester County Assistance Office on behalf of a family in need, I saw three inaccurate and misleading posters stating that Pennsylvania’s Voter ID law was in litigation and that you could be required to show a photo ID.
I called the County Assistance Office Administration and left a message for the Director, Michelle Livingston, and asked for the posters to be removed. I explained that these posters should have come down 16 months ago and to please call me if there was any reason that these posters would remain. I was very pleasantly surprised when I walked back into the office a few days later and the inaccurate posters had been removed and replaced with posters which let readers know that they could and should register to vote. I couldn’t be more pleased with the response to my call.
On Tuesday, November 3rd you will have the opportunity to vote and unless you are voting for the first time, you can NOT be asked for a Photo ID. If you are asked for ID, or asked to sign in by anyone other than the judge of elections, just say no. Say no, proudly and with confidence, because it is your right to vote without being intimidated. If any of these things happen to you, please call Chester County Voter Services at 610-344-6410 and tell them that you are being denied your right to vote and file a complaint with the PA Department of State. It is your civic duty and right to vote. Don’t allow anyone to take that away from you.
Susan Rzucidlo
New Garden Township
I will be proud to show my photo ID when I vote. I consider it an honor and a privilege to vote that only a citizen of the United States should be allowed to do. I have to show my photo ID for medical appts, cashing a check, boarding a plane, etc. It is almost impossible to live in the U.S. today without a photo ID or some kind of ID.
I wish to acknowledge Ms. Rzucidlo for caring enough to make sure everyone has the opportunity to vote; especially those the process often targets to disenfranchise.