Pennsylvania Voter ID facts

This letter went out to all residents of the Chester Housing Authority on September 6 to instruct them of the ID requirements and instructions to obtain proper personal identification that will be accepted at the PA voting booths in November. 

As you know, Pennsylvania enacted a Voter ID law that will take effect Election Day this year. Voters must prepare by ensuring they have the proper ID. The ID must have an expiration date. The following forms of ID will be accepted at the polls:

• Photo IDs issued by the US Government or the Commonwealth of PA
• PA driver's license or PennDOT non-driver's license (IDs are valid for voting purposes 12 months past the expiration date).
• Valid US passport
• US Military ID - active duty and retired military
• Employee photo ID issued by federal, state, county or municipal government
• Photo ID from an accredited public or private PA college or university
• Photo ID issued by a PA care facility including long-term care facilities, assisted living residences or personal care homes

If you are in need of a photo ID for voting, PennDOT is issuing free non-driver's licenses at their license centers across the state. The closest center to Chester is at the Granite Run Mall. If voters previously had any PennDOT license, they will not have to bring a birth certificate or other documentation because you will be in the PennDOT's system. You will be asked to complete an application stating you have no other acceptable photo ID for voting purposes. 

Residents in need of assistance to obtain a valid photo ID are encourage to contact State Rep. Thaddeus Kirkland, 610-876-6420 or State Sen. Dominic Pileggi, 610-447-5845. The Chester Housing Authority will also assist, including with transportation. 

Steven A. Fischer

Executive Director

Chester Housing Authority