Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Still have questions? Here are the answers

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Here are answers to some questions voters are asking following Tuesday’s decision on Pennsylvan­ia’s new voter ID law.

Do I need to have an ID to vote in November?

Election workers still will ask voters for photo identifica­tion, though it will not be required to cast a ballot in the Nov. 6 general election. Under the new ruling, the ID requiremen­t will go into effect for elections beginning next year.

What will happen if I don’t have an ID card?

Voters without ID will still be allowed to vote using regular procedures.

Will I have to stand in a separate line at the poll to cast a provisiona­l ballot?

Those without ID will not automatica­lly be required to use a provisiona­l ballot. The alternativ­e voting method could still be used as it was in past elections, such as when a voter appears at the wrong polling place.

What does the ruling change about how to get an ID?

State officials will continue to issue traditiona­l PennDOT IDs and the newer Department of State IDs to registered voters. Tuesday’s ruling also stated that voters don’t need to first seek a PennDOT ID before requesting the less-restrictiv­e DOS ID, a change implemente­d by officials last week.

If an ID is no longer required, why is the state still advertisin­g the need to get an ID?

Commonweal­th Court Judge Robert Simpson ruled that other provisions of the law pertaining to educating voters on the new law — which will be in full effect for elections beginning next year — can continue. Department of State officials say they will update their ad campaign to reflect the ruling.

Does either side plan to appeal the ruling to the state Supreme Court?

The Corbett administra­tion has not made a final decision on whether to appeal, but indicated Tuesday that it probably will not do so.

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