Sep. 22, 2023
HARRISBURG – Gov. Josh Shapiro announced Tuesday his administration is instituting an automatic voter registration system in Pennsylvania. Rep. Wendy Fink (R-Red Lion) voiced her concern about possible consequences of this action, and the way it erodes the power of the General Assembly.
“The irony of automatic voter registration must be lost on the governor,” said Fink. “In Pennsylvania, we will soon register people to vote when they apply for a state-issued ID by default; however, they do not need to show that ID at the polls on election day. Voter identification is widely supported, and it makes sense now more than ever with this new order.
“Furthermore, this is not something one person should have the power to change. The way this is being implemented, via unilateral order, takes away the voice of the people through their elected representation. I have legitimate concerns about how this will impact election security moving forward.”
Many questions remain unanswered. Who is verifying the recipient of the ID is of legal age to vote; is not a convicted felon; is a legal citizen? How will the new system be secured and protected from hackers and glitches? What will the impact be on counties and their administration of elections; and how will the state support counties in the implementation of the system?
Fink stressed these outliers and that citizens who choose to participate in elections, can easily register through the Commonwealth’s existing processes.
Questions about this or any other state-related issue should be directed to Fink’s office at 717-244-9232.
Representative Wendy Fink
94th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Katelin Morrison
717.260.6502
Kmorrison@pahousegop.com
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