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Voters, be prepared
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One thing is certain. There is insufficient time to resolve all the contentious voter ID issues in time to achieve a fair, impartial election on Nov. 6. If Commonwealth Court again decides to allow the voter ID law to move forward, we are headed for a train wreck of conflicting, capricious, unduly burdensome decisions made at polling places as each voter -- Democratic, Republican or independent -- attempts to cast his or her vote.
By all means, make every attempt to secure the required voter ID papers and vote. But it is essential that everyone who is a U.S. citizen, U.S. resident and of voting age show up and attempt to vote even if you think that you may not have the proper voter ID papers.
If you are denied your right to vote or are issued a provisional ballot, you should file a statement at your polling place with your name, age and address, attesting that you are a United States citizen and stating the reasons your right to vote was denied or that you were given a provisional ballot. Also, your statement should give the name of the presidential candidate that you intended to vote for.
Why do this? Elections should be impartial, nondiscriminatory and unencumbered by obstacles. If you are a U.S. citizen of voting age and are denied the right to vote because of burdensome partisan obstacles, it is morally, ethically and constitutionally wrong. All instances of wrongful disenfranchisement need to be documented in anticipation of future appeals to strike down such unjust laws.
NORMAN WIEN
Regent Square
First Published September 21, 2012 12:00 am
