Ortt Pushes for More Secure Elections

Today, Senator Rob Ortt (R,C,I,Ref-North Tonawanda) advocated for the security of elections in New York State. Since the results of the 2016 Presidential Election, accusations of Russian hacking and interference has created doubt among millions of American citizens about the validity of the election results. Sen. Ortt is calling for increased security in upcoming elections by requiring eligible voters to produce a valid form of identification when attempting to vote.

“Our republic is founded upon the principle of free and fair elections,” said Sen. Ortt. “To ensure that those who are casting votes are the ones allowed to do so is of the utmost importance. The security of our elections should not be taken lightly. A valid form of identification is required to buy something as simple as cough medicine at the grocery store, so some form of identification should be needed to protect one of the foundations of our society.”

This past June, Democrats in the New York State Legislature approved the “Green Light Bill,” which would grant drivers’ licenses to illegal aliens and passed legislation that would have automatically register illegal aliens to vote in upcoming elections. As Senate Democrats passed this bill in the early hours of the morning, opponents pointed out the flaw.

While the initial oversight was addressed, Ortt said it highlights the need to secure our elections. He is advocating for his legislation (S.2091) to require a valid government-issued photo identification card to be presented when casting a ballot. To ensure low-income voters’ abilities to cast ballots are not restricted, the cost of non-drivers IDs for those who qualify for Medicaid would be waived.

“With the proposed changes to automatic voter registration and the granting of licenses to illegal aliens, ensuring we place safeguards in our electoral process is crucial,” said Sen. Ortt. “Simply presenting a valid form of identification creates no burden for those eligible voters, and it ensures that the results of future elections in New York State are valid. Those who would oppose electoral safeguards are fostering an environment that encourages electoral interference.”

Valid forms of identification would include driver’s licenses, passports, military ID cards, and any other form of photo identification issued by a U.S. state or federal agency such as an employee ID card.

Assemblyman Mike Norris (R,C,I,Ref-Lockport) said, “Providing a valid form of identification is required for the most basic functions of society today. Whether it is purchasing alcohol or tobacco, cashing a check, numerous retail transactions, or simply entering a school building, identification is a standard security measure to verify an individual. Given the gravity and reverence in which we hold the right to vote in the United States of America, it is frankly perplexing that identification is not required to cast a ballot. Why wouldn’t we take this opportunity to ensure the full sanctity of our democratic process and to make sure there is no fraud or illegalities in our elections?”

Assemblyman Angelo J. Morinello (R,C,I,Ref-Niagara Falls) said, “Identification is required for cashing a check, purchasing alcohol and cigarettes, and almost every aspect of daily life. To not require identification to vote has no basis in logic.”

Niagara County Clerk Joseph Jastrzemski said, “My DMV office staff serve on the front lines of providing identification to thousands of residents every year. The importance of the documentation used to obtain that identification being equal for all and properly vetted cannot be understated. I strongly support Sen. Ortt in his advocacy for this common-sense legislation."

Niagara County Legislature Vice Chairman Rebecca Wydysh said, “With the recent frenzy of election changes and proposed legislation, there has never been a greater need to ensure the security of our voting process. Some argue that voter fraud is not a real threat, but one, just one act of fraudulent voting can sway a close election. Sen. Ortt should be commended for finding a way to balance voter identification needs with ensuring everyone will have access to the documents that would be required.”  

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