In a recent special election in Massachusetts, two citizens, who were also poll watchers, set up a table asking for voter identification when they checked in with the poll workers. This is part of an ongoing effort by a group in the state trying to pass a law requiring all voters to have a valid photo ID when voting. Right now it is not required in Massachusetts. Needless to say this has raised the ire of the Progressive Left, who continue to argue this somehow will disenfranchise voters.
While it's a valid argument these gentleman may have illegally set up this table at the polling place as there is a law prohibiting electioneering within a polling place, the real issue here is would require someone to show a picture ID to vote disenfranchise voters?
Currently citizens are required to have a valid ID for almost any type of transaction conducted in the state of Massachusetts. This includes opening a bank account, cashing a check, renting a video, going to the movies, picking up a prescription and receiving government aid. If identification is required for these transactions, meaning that an ID is available to these people, why would this be such a problem for voters?
Identification could be provided free of charge from the local department of motor vehicles, using current technology available at their offices. The cost could be covered through existing funds from the State. Certainly the integrity of the vote is worth the cost of such a program.
In Massachusetts, where the state legislature is overwhelmingly Democrats as well as all the major state offices, it can be seen why they would not want to require ID's to vote. In most cases of alleged voter fraud, usually the recipients of the fraudulent votes are Democrats, when they are investigated. It is the Democrats who are the most vocal in their opposition to voter identification laws.
In the town of Southbridge, MA, (where the billboard pictured in the MSNBC video linked above was located) during the recount from the November 2010 elections, many irregularities were noted in the handling of ballots. The recount came down to a claim from one voter who said he was not allowed to vote, yet none of the poll workers were able to recall his being at the polls. Would having to show some type of identification prevented this and the resulting cost of a special election? It is difficult to say, but isn't it better to be safe than sorry?
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Comments: 21 ( 1 removed by Paul Roy Jr )
NOPE & NOPE!!!!!
For me to pay my Property Taxes in either Maine or Florida I must show two forms of ID (one with picture).
For me to Register my cars in both Maine and Florida I must show two forms of ID (One must be Certified Birth Certificate, Passport or Social Security Card).
For me to board a plane I must show a "VALID" ID.
For me to open any type of Bank Account I must provide two "Positive" ID's.
Why should ANYONE object to showing a "POSIIVE" proof of ID in order to vote? Unless they have something to hide.
Any argument to the contrary is asinine.
http://exm.nr/py6YPk
Photo id's are available free of charge in Georgia.
Georgia law (O.C.G.A § 21-2-417) requires Georgia residents to show photo identification when voting in person. This website is just one part of our comprehensive outreach and education program to ensure that citizens are aware of the photo identification requirement. Electronic versions of publications and press releases pertaining to this requirement are available here, as well. If you have questions, need more information or have difficulty getting a FREE Voter Identification Card, you can contact your county registrar’s office or the Secretary of State’s Elections Division at:
Telephone (8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.)
Atlanta local: (404) 656-2871
Georgia Toll-Free: (877) 725-9797
V/TTY: (404) 656-1787
Fax: (404) 651-9531
I am concerned it is more about the preception than the reality. People are still wanting to protest against the 'poll tax' and other barriers that existed 30 and 40 years ago that they missed.
The reality of the efforts to help people to ensure it is their vote that counts and not some illegal votes is immaterial to the discussion.
I'm surprised the "tough on crime" folks aren't here demanding that Tom Weaver and Ralph Zazula aren't thrown into prison immediately.
I figure they discriminate because compliance with voter ID laws is more difficult for some people than others. For example, veterans, students, the poor, the elderly, disabled people, transgender people and others.
And they do it because they can't possibly win a war of ideas, because their ideas are tried and failed.
How is this disenfranchisement?
_________________________________
When politicians have hidden agendas and secret loyalties: Foxes in the Henhouse
Uncovering the truth behind what politicians say: Political Truth Serum
By Artur Davis (FYI - a black Democrat Congressman 2003-2011)
There were litterally thousands of people at the event - NOT one of them looked or acted "discriminated" against or "disenfranchised".
Those that claim that voter ID would or could discriminate/disinfranchise are content to allow potential voting "irregularities" to continue.
Today, even the poorest of poor need to have some form of ID in order to apply for food stamps and other assistance programs, to apply for any form of Social Security Disabilitiy, etc.
It is a ruse to attempt to claim that voter ID is anything other than logical.