League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania Opposes Voter ID Bill That Creates Additional Burdens for Voters

Harrisburg, PA – On March 17, lawmakers in the Pennsylvania General Assembly introduced House Bill 771, a harmful and unnecessary measure that threatens to unduly burden voters, election administrators, and poll workers by imposing burdensome new voter ID and paperwork requirements at the polls. If passed, this legislation would create confusion at the polls, create longer long wait times, and place greater administrative burdens on already overextended election officials.

The League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania, alongside Common Cause Pennsylvania, urges lawmakers to reject HB 771 and instead focus on policies that protect and expand access to the ballot.

"HB 771 creates unnecessary obstacles to voting for voters across Pennsylvania. This bill does nothing to improve election security but instead creates barriers that will discourage eligible voters from participating in our democracy. Pennsylvania voters deserve a system that is fair, accessible, and free from unnecessary obstacles—not one that makes it harder to exercise our fundamental right to vote," said Amy Widestrom, Executive Director of the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania voters already verify their identity when they register to vote, and there is no evidence of widespread in-person voter fraud in the Commonwealth. HB 771 would force voters to produce identification or sign an affidavit before casting a ballot every time they vote—an unnecessary and time-consuming hurdle that could lead to confusion and long lines at the polls. In the 2024 General Election, some Pennsylvania voters waited in line for up to six hours without this requirement. Rather than improving election processes, this bill would make voting even more difficult.

Beyond burdening voters, HB 771 would place significant financial and logistical strain on county election offices, taking resources away from real election improvements. Instead of erecting barriers to the ballot box, Pennsylvania lawmakers should focus on policies that strengthen our elections by ensuring every eligible voter can cast their ballot freely and fairly.

Key concerns with HB 771:

• Unnecessary ID requirements force voters to obtain forms of identification they may not have or sign an affidavit, creating confusion and delays.

• Increased administrative burden and costs for county election offices, which are already underfunded and overstretched.

• No justification for the bill, as there is no evidence of widespread voter fraud in Pennsylvania.

The League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting voting rights and ensuring that elections are accessible to all. We call on lawmakers to reject HB 771 and prioritize policies that strengthen, rather than restrict, our democracy.

About the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania

The League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering voters and defending democracy. We advocate for free, fair, and accessible elections and work to ensure that every Pennsylvanian can make their voice heard at the ballot box.