Op-Ed: Rooney Happy With Voter ID Ruling

Joe Rooney, who is running for a seat in the 13th Congressional District, issued the following statement after Commonwealth Court Judge Robert Simpson ruled to uphold the law that requires every Pennsylvania voter to show a valid photo ID before being allowed to vote. 

I applaud the decision of Commonwealth Court Judge Robert Simpson to uphold Pennsylvania’s voter identification law. Judge Simpson concluded in a thoughtful, non-partisan 70-page decision that the law did not violate the Pennsylvania State Constitution. Pennsylvania voters now have almost three months to ensure that they possess the necessary identification to vote. Additionally, the law allows voters to cast a provisional ballot which will be counted once the proper ID is presented.

On a personal basis, as an airline pilot I witness thousands of people who successfully navigate the security procedures now in place to fly. As you all know, this includes checking every person’s identification prior to boarding. I support this law as a reasonable accommodation needed to protect every Pennsylvanians’ vote. 

I hope that everyone will take the time now to ensure they are eligible to vote on Nov. 6.

Joe Rooney is running against incumbent Allyson Schwartz for the 13th Congressional District, which includes Montgomery County.