Election season is heating up, and so is the debate on voter identity. One side of the issue argues that stringent voter identity laws are necessary so as not to dilute the vote of legitimate voters. The other side argues that the strict controls have the effect of disenfranchising legitimate voters.
A recent story in the Huffington Post cites examples from both sides of the argument, ultimately claiming that it appears more legitimate votes are disenfranchised than fraudulent ones prevented.
More than two dozen states have some form of ID requirements, and 11 of those passed new rules over the past two years. According to Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp's website, voters are required to show one of several forms of photo ID:
- Any valid state or federal government issued photo ID, including a free Voter ID Card issued by your county registrar's office or the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS)
- A Georgia Driver's License, even if expired.
- Valid employee photo ID from any branch, department, agency, or entity of the U.S. Government, Georgia, or any county, municipality, board, authority or other entity of this state.
- Valid U.S. Passport ID.
- Valid U.S. Military photo ID.
- Valid Tribal photo ID.
Republicans have been the driving force behind this, claiming that in previous years convicted felons and the deceased have voted. Democrats and voting rights groups claim the ID laws suppress votes, particularly among the elderly, poor and minorities. These groups tend to lean Democratic.
In each of these cases, the numbers are not particularly high when you look at the big picture. But when you take into account that the 2000 presidential race was decided by a 537-vote margin in Florida, it’s not hard to see why this is such a hot-button issue right now.
http://www.immigrationpolicy.org/just-facts/chicken-little-voting-booth-non-existent-problem-non-citizen-%E2%80%9Cvoter-fraud%E2%80%9D And I am sorry, since race is heavily involved in these laws, white people should have no business legislating on what primarily affects black people and other people of color. That is a smack in the face of all the progress which has been made regarding voting rights.
So let's try this. Pass the laws then review the empirical data and make an informed decision. Also if I was in the group of people that all the opponents claim will be most affected I would be highly upset because obviously they also think you are stupid, although they don't say that to your face.
WOW!! Imagine if that was the case in things such as slavery, women's rights, child abuse...etc. I'm glad people representing this country have the ability to make laws that impact others that aren't just like them.
And Just A Grunt: no, that is not how it should work where human and civil rights and democracy are concerned--before a law is made the affected parties should be consulted and their opinions taken into consideration. Otherwise it is akin to Jim Crow and other so-called "laws". Show me where this process was done regarding voter suppression laws....it was rammed through by one party seeking to secure their votes in elections. It is just like re-districting. That is the reality. (By the way, I am not a Democrat but an independent and if they did it I would be crying foul too and I do when they engage in re-districting.)
Rep. Shaw addresses Georgia's new driver's license requirements In response to the concerns of numerous constituents, I want to make all residents of House District 176 aware of the new federally mandated requirements that have forced the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) to begin requiring new documentation for obtaining and renewing driver's licenses. Under the new federally mandated SAFFE DL (Secure Automated Fast Friendly Easier Driver's License) Program that went into effect on July 1, Georgians wishing to renew their driver's license must provide documentation proving their identity, full legal name, current residential address, and Social Security number. I have received numerous inquiries about the new requirements for driver's licenses. It is frustrating and very inconvenient for all of us. Thankfully, this is not "the new way of renewals." This is just a one-time hurdle. Once you have proven in person that you are who you say you are, you can revert back to online license renewals. I thank you for being patient as we strive to comply with this federally mandated law. The SAFFE DL program is mandated by the Federal Real ID Act of 2005.
2) It is also whether it is a massive waste of taxpayers money and legislators time to come up with controversial laws that are a solution to non-problems, and even worse when those laws target already marginalized communities in our society...when there are much more pressing needs to be addressed (like the draconian anti-immigrant "laws" which are draining our coffers attacking people who are helping our country and coffers). 3) We should, as a democratic society, making it easier to participate in democracy and voting--not more difficult.
5) Aside from anyone's opinions, the groups on the ground who work with voting, like the respected League of Women's Voters, state that these laws are not necessary and are suppressing the vote and their ability to register people.
That's what's impractical to me. You can't poll everybody that may be impacted by a law to get their opinion. Plus, I'm sure many blacks would be offended by the fact that you assume because they are black they all share the same circumstances. I also don't want someone that represents just men, or just women, or just Latinos, or just blacks or just whites. That promotes segregation. If I understand you correctly, what about your position isn't extreme, impractical, or promoting segregation?
Does everybody in favor of this think fraud is widespread enough to warrant pushing this through right now when there are lots of pressing issues competing for our legislators' attention? I can appreciate we all have different perspectives, so I'm curious. Of course we have to show IDs for lots of things, but plenty of people function without them. I've never heard anyone talk about selling votes for beer, but I won't tell someone else they're lying if they have. I can understand some people don't know someone that doesn't have ID or someone for whom getting one would be a real problem, but I do. This will not stop a person intent on fraud. I can get an ID in the walmart parking lot for $100. These measures don't stop actual criminals, just honest people. What happened to Republicans being for less regulation and smaller government? How about we work identity theft first. I bet that's something that has hurt way more people. It seems like voting is being treated as a privilege and not a RIGHT.
The above information regarding the required ID's does not include those that are allowed in a Federal Office Election. There are some 11 forms of ID allowed, a few of which are very generous.....as in a Utility Bill or such. Since every person ...black, white, yellow or purple has to have electricity, water & maybe gas, a utility bill shouldn't be a big hassle, especially when one gets one 12 times a year. I think it's absolutely silly for one to consider an ID be required for voting to be a partisan issue, when voting is one of the most important duties of a citizen. And I have to ask, how many people do you personally know, that doesn't have any kind of Identification ??? Here in the 21st Century, in one of the most technologically advanced nation on this planet....... I say gimme-a-break, either you are a shill for a particular political party or just plain ignorant of real facts & real life. SB
I will say this, if you are too dumb to get a Free ID, then I'm quite sure you are too dumb to Vote. That's all I have to say, as I do not wish to denigrate this whole issue into an insult session. Good luck on the upcoming election, I sincerely hope & pray you get the leaders you deserve. SB
I think the would say that there are enough laws on the books to regulate guns. Lets apply the laws that we have. Let them say the same things about peoples right to vote. We the people know a hypocital party when we see one.
We are all people of color.....but more importantly, we are Human Beings...thus government by those elected to represent us, is our choice, our responsibility & our duty. To castigate those who establish rules for all, simply because they are a different color would return us to the days before the Civil War. Some referenced Jim Crow Laws & the Poll Tax....these Laws were overturned in the 1950's & 60's. The people who enacted them & a majority of those affected are long time dead & buried. So mentioning those laws are just as specious as well. SB
I did not call you a liar, but referenced that people who use blanket phrases use lies to further their arguments. So which would you admit, that you are a liar or that you use lies? I tried to bring logic, past experience, education & wisdom to this debate, not feelings. Feelings are not logical nor are they founded in good sense or common sense. Feelings are personal but cannot always be good for society. A rapist commits his crimes to feel good, yet it has a disastrous effect on his victims. So merely feeling good about something does not validate your arguments. SB
As to the Constitution....you failed to point out either by mistake or intent...the Constitution is a Living Document that can be modified and has been modified to reflect the current times. AND not all minorities were slaves or servants from the beginning of this country. Even whites came to this continent as Indentured Servants (a polite name for slavery). No race has been completely blameless or exempt from oppression. We are a Society, made up of many nationalities, we have been since the beginning. We will continue to be. Your own personal divisiveness will only serve to disenfranchise those who buy into the false premise that they are oppressed. I'm oppressed, you are oppressed, my neighbor is oppressed, your neighbor is oppressed.....where does it stop ??? Under your thinking, it never does. I choose to be a 'glass is half-full' kind of guy, you, on the other hand, sees only that the glass is half empty, but someone never got a sip.
I thought I asked a simple question on whether this was genuinely a top priority for supporters, but I guess the answer is no since I was just called a political shill or 'plain ignorant' after that but didn't get a straight answer. LOL!
If you feel that you were singled out as a political shill or plain ignorant....perhaps you should rethink & restate what you wanted, instead of taking it as an insult. SB
Feel free to contact me at pilgrim1@mindspring.com to get on my email list for volunteer opportunities with the Cobb United for Change Coalition (which is composed of many human & civil rights orgs). Right now we have voter registration & get out the vote initiatives, human rights "report cards" for candidates, as well as other initiatives like police oversight and home foreclosure defense, aid for the poor. (Working on our website now and will post once complete.)