Want to cash a check at a store, open a bank account or take a flight, you're going to be asked to show photo identification. Some local retailers even require a photo ID to buy beer.
So it doesn't seem like much of a stretch to have to do the same when it comes to voting.
Yet naysayers were out in force last week as the state Senate voted largely along party lines on a bill that would require people to produce photo identification before casting ballots.
It's an effort to try to prevent voter fraud by making sure those who cast ballots are who they claim to be.
The measure, House Bill 934, is now back before state representatives, who are expected to approve it, possibly Monday. If they do, Gov. Tom Corbett is expected to sign the measure into law.
Under current law, voters must only present an appropriate form of identification the first time they vote in a precinct.
Democrats and various groups are decrying HB 934 and threatening legal action, saying it's an attempt at voter suppression and claiming it can be a hardship for people to get a government-issued identification in order to vote.
Critics also say the photo ID requirement is not needed because of a lack of voter fraud cases.
But how does one know fraud isn't occurring if photo IDs aren't being checked?
To be valid under HB 934, the identification would have to be current, include the person's name, photograph and expiration date and be issued by the federal, state or local government in Pennsylvania, accredited public or private colleges, or a nursing, assisted living or personal care home in the state.
A PennDOT-issued ID card that's less than a year out of date as well as armed forces IDs without expiration dates would be acceptable.
For those who object to having their photo taken for religious beliefs, a non-photo ID from PennDOT also would be acceptable.
And Pennsylvanians, if needed, would be able to get a photo ID from PennDOT without charge.
If HB 934 is enacted quickly, the plan calls for returning voters to be asked for a photo ID during the primary election as a test, although they will be allowed to cast ballots if they don't have one.
A photo ID would be required in the fall election. If a voter doesn't have an acceptable form of ID at the polls, the person would be given a provisional ballot to cast. The voter then would have six days to submit a valid identification in person or by email or fax to the county board of elections.
Because of the number of times people are asked for a photo ID in stores, banks, airports, etc., it's hard to see how asking for one at the polls - especially if it can be obtained for free from PennDOT - is a hardship.
And it helps ensure our basic freedom of voting isn't being tainted by fraud, something that should be a top concern for everyone.
It's time to pass HB 934.
