Westmoreland Review

Representative Jill Cooper from the 55th Legislative District of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives recently addressed the importance of restoring trust in the election system through a bipartisan-supported proposal for voter identification. Cooper emphasized the significance of citizens having confidence in the electoral process, stating, "If citizens are to have confidence in their government, they must first have confidence in the electoral process that selected its public officials." She highlighted the positive impact a voter identification requirement could have in rebuilding trust in elections.

Cooper discussed House Bill 891, a proposal for a voter identification requirement in the Pennsylvania Constitution, which is currently being held in the House State Government Committee without a scheduled vote. She explained the process of using a discharge resolution to push the bill for consideration by the full House, noting that more than 50 House members have signed the resolution as of March 27.

The representative also cited statistics from surveys showing strong support for voter identification among Americans, with four in five individuals backing the measure. In Pennsylvania specifically, a 2021 study by Franklin & Marshall College revealed that 74% of Pennsylvanians support requiring identification for voting. Cooper emphasized the practicality of voter identification, likening it to other situations where identification is routinely requested such as borrowing a library book or boarding a plane.

Cooper clarified the process of passing a constitutional amendment for voter identification, highlighting the need for approval in consecutive legislative terms before appearing as a ballot question for voters to decide. She underscored the urgency of passing House Bill 891 in the current legislative session to avoid restarting the process.

In addition to discussing the voter identification proposal, Cooper provided information on the upcoming 2024 Primary Election and encouraged eligible individuals to register to vote before the April deadlines. She also announced an event on April 4 to educate the public about Real ID and shared a reminder about the start of trout season on April 6.

For more information on voting in Pennsylvania and upcoming events, constituents can visit Representative Jill Cooper's website or social media pages.