Congressional Candidate Launches 'Let Larry Vote' Petition Drive
Washington County Commissioner Larry Maggi says he may not be able to vote because of the new Voter ID law.
Washington County Commissioner Larry Maggi—a candidate for Congress—said he may not be able to vote this November because of Pennsylvania’s new voter ID law.
Maggi’s name was released by the Department of State as having a different name on his voter registration than he does on his driver’s license.
His voter registration is listed as “Larry Maggi” while his driver’s license reads “Lawrence Owen Maggi.”
To raise awareness of how unprepared the state is to implement this law less than 90 days from today, Maggi created www.letlarryvote.com to encourage others to sign his petition and demonstrate support for an injunction to delay the law’s implementation.
According to the new law, the name on the ID must “substantially conform” to the name on the voter registration.
Because the law does not define “substantially conform,” Maggi said the election judge at each polling location will decide if the ID meets that standard when a ballot is challenged.
In the event that Maggi’s ballot is challenged, he will have to fill out an affidavit, submit a provisional ballot, and produce proof of residency within five days.
"Even though the Department of State has verified that Maggi meets the qualifications to run for federal office, the same department may deny him his right to vote," his campaign office said in a statement.
“As a Marine, I served our country to protect freedom and democracy for every American. The most basic freedom in a democracy is the right to vote," Maggi said. "Now, I am not even certain my vote will count this November. The state is not ready to implement this law if over 700,000 people do not have the proper ID to be eligible to vote—including veterans and lifelong residents.”
Janet Butler
5:50 pm on Friday, August 10, 2012
oh my goodness!! Seriously?? I feel certain you will be able to vote with your photo ID Larry! Good try, though a little desperate at this point trying to delay a law that easily prevents fraud in elections.
Mary
5:51 pm on Friday, August 10, 2012
Sorry Larry, but I have no sympathy for you. When it asks for your first name it is your legal name which is Lawrence. I'm sure that there is a way for your to correct this. If not it is your mistake and your consequence. Even my teenage daughter knows that she should use her legal name for government documents, and not nicknames. I support the voter ID. when I go to a hospital for a procedure, if I write a check in a store, if I want to cash a check in a bank I have to show ID. I believe that voter ID will reduce corruption.
Walt
6:16 pm on Friday, August 10, 2012
Go get your ID corrected, Lawrence. You have almost 3 months until the election. Good try though. From your picture, you don't appear to be blind, disabled, or 90 years old and unable to drive; your only "disability" is the "D" behind your last name.
Lou Laughlin
8:17 pm on Friday, August 10, 2012
If its impossible to get either of the IDs corrected between now and the election, then THAT is an indictment of the failure of the over regulated bureaucracy. Maybe you should run on that platform? You might get more votes and more support! This seems like the lamest excuse for not protecting our voting rights I have ever heard.
Mike
12:15 pm on Saturday, August 11, 2012
I think there will be a lot of surprised people on election day. Republicans tried screwing over Democrats with this voter ID BS, but 15% of people in the Republican areas don't have the right ID either. The difference is that the Democrats know they don't have the right ID. The Republicans think they do, and will be surprised on election day when it is too late.
Election day is going to be a disaster statewide and it didn't need to be this way.
proud American
8:52 am on Thursday, August 23, 2012
Republicans and Democrates have all had enough time to make sure they are legal to vote. If they aren't responsible enough maybe they shouldn't be voting.