With Election Day only 25 days away, a national advocacy group is urging registered voters to bring proper credentials with them when they vote. The group, called New America Media, in a press release says many states – including Pennsylvania – have toughened identification requirements for people to cast their ballots.

The state Department of State confirms that, at least for first-time voters, election officials may demand to see proof of identification at polling places. In Lower Pottsgrove (PA) Township, according to Montgomery County Voter Services, polls will be located at:

• Ringing Hill Fire Company, 815 White Pine Ln., Pottstown Pa 19464 (Precinct 1)
• Berean Bible Church, 2675 E. High St., Sanatoga Pa 19464 (Precinct 2)
• Wesleyan Christian Church, 1301 Hilltop Rd., Pottstown Pa 19464 (Precinct 3), and
• Lower Pottsgrove Township Building, 2199 Buchert Rd., Pottstown Pa 19464 (Precinct 4)

In Pennsylvania, according to the State Department, approved forms of photo identification include a valid PA driver’s license or ID card issued by PennDOT, an ID issued by any other Commonwealth agency, an ID issued by the U.S. Government, a U.S. passport, a U.S. Armed Forces ID, a student ID card, or an employee ID card from a local business.

Identifications without photographs also are acceptable, the department says. They include voter identification cards issued by the county voter registration commission, non-photo IDs issued by the Commonwealth, non-photo IDs issued by the U.S. Government, a firearm permit, a current utility bill, current bank statement, current paycheck, or a government check.

Other states with changed identification requirements, New American Media says, are Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Michigan, Missouri, New Mexico, Ohio, and Wisconsin.