[Vision2020] Legislative Newsletter X--March 12-19, 2010

[Paul Rumelhart]

I suppose it's not the worst requirement ever imposed on someone, but I 
just don't like the idea of heading down this road especially if it's in 
an effort to solve a problem that isn't that big of a deal anyway.

When you are required to show ID to vote, how much farther of a step is 
it to require that you have your ID on you at all times in public areas 
in the name of safety or fighting terrorism or thinking of the children 
or whatever?

If voter fraud was a real issue, then maybe I could see doing this as 
long as there are caveats about it's limits or a procedure put in place 
that a person could prove who they are without having to have an ID card 
(perhaps as part of the absentee ballot process).

I like my freedoms, small as they may be, and I just don't want to be 
too cavalier about giving them up.

Paul

the lockshop wrote:
> I am of two minds on this one. I dispise the idea of present on demand 
> identity documents but I approve of the idea of making sure that those 
> who attempt to vote actually are entitled to the priviledge. Idaho 
> makes available a photo ID card for a very minimal fee $20.00 for 8 
> years) No one is forced to obtain such a document, you simply pass on 
> the option of exersizing your franchise if you decide to decline. The 
> same as you do if you fail to register. I'm not sure that this is an 
> overly onerous burdon to place on Idaho citizens.
>
> g
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Paul Rumelhart" 
> <godshatter at yahoo.com>
> To: <ttrail at moscow.com>
> Cc: <vision2020 at moscow.com>
> Sent: Saturday, March 20, 2010 9:24 AM
> Subject: Re: [Vision2020] Legislative Newsletter X--March 12-19, 2010
>
>
>> Thank you for the update, I have some comments about one of the bills
>> that was voted on:
>>
>> Rep. Tom Trail wrote:
>>>  2.   Voter ID Bill  --  HB496 passed the house on a 64-6 vote.  The 
>>> bill
>>> would require voters to show photo ID at the polls before they vote.
>>> One of my concerns is that the Secretary of State reports that there do
>>> not appear to be any major problems with voter fraud in Idaho.  In one
>>> sense this is a solution in search of a problem.
>>>
>>
>> Doesn't this disenfranchise voters that simply don't drive?  Having a
>> form of photo ID is not a requirement of a citizen of this country, as
>> far as I can tell.  So why make it a requirement for voting?  Especially
>> if it is a solution in search of a problem.
>>
>> What do you do if you don't have a driver's license, aren't a member of
>> the military, or don't work for an organization that gives out photo
>> IDs?  Do you have to go through the process of getting a passport just
>> so you can vote?  That seems a bit extreme.
>>
>> It also seems like a step down the road towards a "papers, please" style
>> of government that I would rather do without.
>>
>> Paul
>>
>>
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>
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