Alternative Ballots: Voter ID Loophole For Seniors, Disabled?

While we wait for a ruling this week on the controversial Voter ID bill, there appears to be a loophole, according to Philly.com, in the form of the alternative ballot.

The alternative ballot is basically an absentee ballot for those with a disability or who are older than 65 and who have a polling place deemed inaccessible by the County Board of Elections.

Although the application for absentee ballot now asks for your drivers license number, Social Security number or other acceptable form of identification, the alternative ballot application does not ask for that.

If you are planning on voting by absentee ballot or alternative ballot, be sure to plan ahead. Applications for either must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Oct. 30 and the completed ballot must be received no later than 8 p.m. on Election Day (Nov. 6).

Local Voices Speak Out About Voter ID Law

: “I am not a lawyer, nor do I play one on TV. That being said, I am the majority inspector of elections in Lower Merion 8-2 and having read all 29 pages of HB 934 the voter ID bill suspect I will have to become one to follow the minutia in this unnecessary bill.”


: “In one sense the history of elections in the USA has recorded a march to an expansion of the electorate...Nevertheless, two elements of voting have resisted this march toward greater inclusiveness: the shape of the districts in which we cast our ballots for our national and state representatives, and the obstacles we place in the way of physically getting to the polls on election day.”


: “Stop whining about the Pennsylvania “Voter ID” law. Instead of resorting to name calling and the like, why not rationally debate the issue that is PA. Voter ID law? And, by the way, what is wrong with having a photo ID when one goes to the voting booth to cast that all-important American vote?”

What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.