State Rep. Thomas Kutz | Pennsylvania 87th Legislative District
State Rep. Thomas Kutz | Pennsylvania 87th Legislative District
HARRISBURG – House Republicans in Pennsylvania have announced their intention to advance a voter identification constitutional amendment using the discharge resolution process. The decision comes after the amendment had been stagnant in committee for almost a year, despite bipartisan support for the concept among the public and House members.
House Republican Leader Bryan Cutler highlighted the widespread bipartisan backing for requiring identification to vote, stating, "For nearly a year, this legislation has sat in committee. And that is despite poll after poll after poll telling us that requiring identification to vote at each and every election is supported on a broad, bipartisan basis."
Supporting the need for voter identification, House Republican State Government Committee Chairman Brad Roae pointed out the inconsistency in requiring identification for various tasks but not for voting in Pennsylvania. Roae emphasized, "You need photo identification to sign up for a library card or apply for a marriage license, but not to vote in Pennsylvania."
The push for the voter identification constitutional amendment is led by Rep. Torren Ecker and Rep. Thomas Kutz, co-prime sponsors of House Bill 891. Ecker stressed the overwhelming support for enhanced voter identification among Pennsylvanians, expressing the belief that "this legislation deserves a vote by the House."
Similarly, Kutz emphasized the importance of implementing measures like Voter ID to ensure the security of elections, stating, "Voter ID is an easy way to encourage participation in elections while ensuring they are free, fair, safe and secure."
The discharge petition resolution for the voter identification constitutional amendment is set to be formally introduced in the House chamber. The Republicans aim to secure the necessary support to move the amendment out of committee and towards a House vote.
For media inquiries, the following contacts are provided:
- Rep. Roae: Tracy Polovick – tpolovick@pahousegop.com
- Rep. Ecker: Greg Gross – ggross@pahousegop.com
- Rep. Kutz: Katelin Morrison – kmorrison@pahousegop.com
Contact information for Republican Leader Bryan Cutler:
- Media Contact: Jason Gottesman
- Phone: 717-512-0620
- Email: jgottesman@pahousegop.com
- Website: RepCutler.com / Facebook.com/RepBryanCutler
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