With the high stakes in Tuesday’s election and possible confusion over the voter ID law, District Attorney Seth Williams and the Committee of Seventy said they will be closely monitoring the polling places across the city.
Voters will be asked for identification, but are not required to show it under the state’s law, according to a ruling from a Commonwealth Court judge last month.
But there is still some confusion among voters that could discourage them from casting a ballot.
“We understand that there may be some confusion this year with the new Voter ID law that is now in place, and we want to make sure that no one is discouraged about going to the polls on Tuesday because of that confusion,” District Attorney Seth Williams said at a press conference.
The District Attorney’s Office will have mobile units, each with an assistant district attorney and a district attorney’s detective, to respond to problem polling places.
Williams said his office will also prosecute any criminal activity “to the fullest extent of the law.”
Don’t believe the rumors
The Committee of Seventy said many Pennsylvania voters have received incorrect emails telling them that selecting the “Straight Democratic Ticket” will not register a vote for President Barack Obama.
Seventy said the information is totally false, and that any voter who selects the option will vote for every Democrat on the ballot, including Obama.
Likewise, those who select the “Straight Republican Ticket” will vote for every Republican on the ballot, including Mitt Romney.
Power should not be issue
Most Pennsylvania voters will be able to cast their ballots without disruption, Gov. Tom Corbett said.
As of mid-afternoon Monday, all but five polling locations had power restored, Corbett said.
Emergency generators were on site at those five locations in the event power was not restored today.
One polling place in Riegelsville, Bucks County, has been moved to Riegelsville Fire Hall from Riegelsville Borough Hall due to a damaged pole and dangling wires outside the borough hall.
Key numbers
Voters’ complaints can be registered by calling:
District Attorney’s Office — 215-686-9641, 9643, 9644 or 9884
The Committee of Seventy — 1-866-OUR-VOTE (1-866-687-8683)
