I am going to keep this diary rather short because I am not a legal expert, but I do have a question about the Pennsylvania voter ID law that I haven't heard raised --- is such a voter entitled to a provisional ballot?
My understanding of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 is that if a voter cannot provide a valid ID, that he/she is permitted to file a provisional ballot. Additionally, my understanding is that if it is determined such a voter did, indeed, register properly and vote in the correct precinct, the vote would be counted REGARDLESS of providing ID.
I want you to disregard any logistical impediments (voters not knowing they can cast a provisional ballot etc.) and merely consider the legal aspects. Does anything in the Pennsylvania law (authored by the repugnant Daryl Metcalfe) trump the provisions of the Help America Vote Act which would result in a provisional ballot being rejected simply because the voter failed to provide an accepted ID?
Again, I am not a legal expert, but this has been concerning me for the past two days. Any insight would be helpful. Thanks!