State Rep. Daryl Metcalfe, R-12th, who authored Pennsylvania’s controversial voter ID law, angered some state residents last week with his observation that some commonwealth voters are “too lazy” to obtain a valid ID in time for the Nov. 6 election.

Unfortunately, that statement, made during a Pittsburgh radio interview, is correct. If the law is in effect for the November balloting — and that remains a question — laziness will be a factor as to why some people won’t be permitted to vote.

But there’s a harsher reality beyond the voter ID issue that must be acknowledged: Even if every eligible voter were to have a valid ID at their fingertips, many voters still would be too lazy to go to the polls, despite the importance of the presidential election and other offices up for grabs.

Some registered voters will now use the ID issue to cover up their laziness.

For years, the percentage of eligible Butler County voters casting ballots in both the spring and fall elections has been anemic, actually disgraceful.

In bringing up the laziness issue, Metcalfe would have been right to chastise registered voters who refuse to get up from in front of their television sets or computers, or make a detour to their polling place on their way to or from work, in order to exercise their right and obligation as citizens of this nation.

“If individuals are too lazy (to obtain a valid ID), the state can’t fix that,” Metcalfe said.

Likewise, if individuals are too lazy to go to the polls, they can’t put their opinions into action; they’re allowing others to make the choices for them.

It’s unfortunate that voter ID remains an issue so close to the election. As this newspaper previously has editorialized, it would be better if the first use of the law would be during spring balloting when, primarily, nominations, not actual seats, are at stake.

Regardless, it’s a virtual certainty that the state’s voters will have to come to grips with the requirement sometime, and now’s as good a time as any.

Looking ahead to November, laziness will continue to keep the voter turnout much lower than what might be considered healthy and reasonable.

Voting requires commitment and acknowledgment of the importance of the process. It is a mark of loyalty to one’s country, and a measure of one’s desire for good government.

Regardless of one’s opinion about the voter ID requirement, laziness should not be the reason why any registered voter fails to register his or her vote at the polls.

There’s really no excuse for being lazy about something so important.