The Justice Dept blocked a law in Texas that would require voters to show a photo ID. They felt the law could disenfranchise thousands of Hispanic voters in the state. The case will now go to a federal court in Washington DC. Hispanic voters in Texas are twice as likely as non-Hispanic voters to not have some form of photo identification. Apparently other states have similar laws pending final approval and most have been created by republican legislators and governors. Democrats feel these laws discriminate against people who usually vote democratic such as the poor, African-Americans, Hispanics and college students.
But what am I missing here?! I had no idea you did not need some type of photo identification to vote!!
Two days ago I reminded my 20 year old cousin to register to vote. She does not have a drivers license but she does have a school photo ID.
You need a photo ID to order an alcoholic drink or buy liquor in a store, buy tickets for an R rated movie (well back in the day you did ;-), enter a bar, buy cigarettes and to drive an automobile. New travel laws require a passport, not even a photo ID or license, in order to go in and out of the country. Shouldn't you need some type of photo ID to vote?
My bigger question is, how would you know the person voting is actually that person? How would the pollsters know if you are really 18 years of age or older and an American citizen with the right to vote? If an ID is used that does not have a photo, what stops that person from sharing that ID and passing it on to other people to use to vote? Is there a system that checks that that person has already voted in some other part of the city, county or state?
I understand that it may be too close to the election to make such a requirement for this year but I see no reason for this not to be a requirement in the future.
Thoughts?
Independent Political Thoughts. Welcome to my first blog! I hope to entice my friends and family into discussions on current political issues! Enjoy the news feed with opeds, the political video bar at the bottom of the page and hopefully you will also enjoy my posts! Nadeen
At the first table, two pollster volunteers help with this task. I give one of them my drivers license and he spells my name & states the address to the other. Pollster #2 locates it in the "grand poll book" and crosses it out with a pen and ruler. (Not exactly working in the Age of Computer) I am then given a paper "go" ticket, so I can proceed to the next table and pick up my official voter's form.
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What is an ID without a photo? Not an ID. Even if you don't drive you can get a state issued ID with a photo. I guess the biggest hurdle in getting an ID is presenting the proper paperwork. If you don't have it, you don't get it. (sidebar - another topic)Even credit cards have a photo, supposedly your photo, on the back. Why? Probably to prevent ID theft.
I think its just crazy. Anyone 18 years and older that claims to be an American citizen should have some form of photo ID. Not just to vote but also for national security.
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