The ACLU of PA is part of a large coalition of groups from around the state that oppose House Bill 1318, or what we call the "Anti-Voting Rights Act." This bill would require citizens to show a form of ID every time they vote. Similar provisions in other states have been shown to disproportionately affect poor, elderly, disabled, and minority voters. The LatestMarch 16, 2006"The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania commends Governor Ed Rendell for his veto of House Bill 1318. We congratulate him on listening to the people of Pennsylvania and protecting everyone’s constitutional right to vote." Full statement of Larry Frankel, Legislative Director, ACLU of Pennsylvania
February 1, 2006 Come to Harrisburg for a Lobby Day on Feb. 1st to Voice Your Opposition to H.B. 1318!On Wednesday, Feb 1, the ACLU will join a large coalition of groups from around the state to hold a Lobby Day to oppose House Bill 1318, or what we've been calling the "Anti-Voting Rights Act." This bill would require citizens to show a form of ID every time they vote. Similar provisions in other states have been shown to disproportionately affect poor, elderly, disabled, and minority voters. Even more troubling are two provisions that were taken OUT of the H.B. 1318 that we are concerned they want to put back IN. These two provisions would 1) require a photo-ID every time you vote and 2) take away the voting rights of ex-felons on probation or parole. It is extremely important that we preempt any attempt to reinstate these provisions, which would have a significant impact on voting rights in PA (one in eight Pennsylvanians, for example, does not possess a photo-ID). The ACLU opposes attempts to make it more difficult to vote in PA, particularly when there are no clear gains to be made from the legislation. Instruction and materials will be provided. Coalition MembersThe Protect Our Vote and Stop House Bill 1318 campaign is co-sponsored by AARP Pennsylvania, ACLU Pennsylvania, ACORN Pennsylvania, ActiVote America, Advancement Project, Bike for Democracy, B-PEP (Black Political Empowerment Project), Center for Civic Participation, Common Cause of Pennsylvania, Everybody VOTE, Ex-Offenders Association of PA, Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania, Just Harvest, Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, League of Young Voters, League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania, Mental Health Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Alliance for Retired Americans, Pennsylvania Council of Churches, PA Voters Coalition, People For the American Way, PA Voter Coalition, Public Interest Law Center of Philadelphia, Project H.O.M.E., Project VOTE, Resources for Human Development, Roots of Promise/a project of The Thomas Merton Center, Service Employees International Union Pennsylvania State Council, Southwestern PA Alliance of HUD Tenants, UNITE HERE, Vote for Homes!, VotePA, X-Offenders for Community Empowerment, WomenVote PA/Women's Law Project, and other organizations. (Contact jenninemiller@projecthome.org or 215-232-7272 to add your organization and get involved with the campaign to protect our vote and stop H.B.1318.)
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