Sen. Williams speaks to the crowd.
PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 14, 2012 — The same day the Pennsylvania Supreme Court heard arguments on the state’s controversial new voter ID law, state Sen. Anthony H. Williams hosted a Voter ID Education and Action Rally to help voters take the necessary steps to ensure that their vote counts this November.
“The law is being challenged in the courtroom and we’re in the streets, letting everyone know that their right to vote may be jeopardized if the state Supreme Court upholds the law,” Williams said. “It’s not about the inspiration or the perspiration today, but it’s about the delivery and execution of all of our votes on Election Day.”
More than 300 people attended the Sept. 13 event at Kingsessing Recreation Center in Southwest Philadelphia and heard from numerous local lawmakers and community and religious leaders, who spoke about the controversial law and urged registered voters to make sure they have the proper ID.
Volunteers and staff helped attendees fill out voter registration forms, inform them on the steps they need to take to obtain proper ID, and recruit more volunteers to spread the word about the voter ID law in their community.
“It’s not just about ensuring that you have a right to vote, but ensuring that your neighbors and your friends have that right too,” Williams told the crowd. “We need your help to make sure that everyone is informed.”
The state Supreme Court is reviewing the case now to determine the validity of the law, which forces voters to show a valid form of photo ID when they cast their ballot starting with November’s General Election.
Pastor J.K. Goodson from Chosen Generation Church of God and Christ led the opening prayer and led the crowd in a chant, “No vote, no hope.”
“Voting is much more than a right. It gives us hope that our next political leaders can help all of us make our community, our city and our nation a better place,” Williams said. “This voter ID law has challenged the rights of voting citizens, but it will not deter us. We will not lose hope. Community leaders and lawmakers will continue to work to spread the word about the voter ID law and help folks get the right ID, and we will continue to fight this absurd law.”
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