IDs for voting equates to poll tax...

Gypsy · 09-24-2006, 08:21

The dems are at it again...what don't they get about this?? Since I was first able to vote I've always had to show a picture ID as well as my voter registration card.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060922/...n_elections_dc

U.S. Senate Democrats decry voter photo ID bill Fri Sep 22, 5:38 PM ET

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Senate Democrats on Friday said legislation that would require voters to show proof of U.S. citizenship to vote in federal elections was little more than a poll tax and urged Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist to stop the bill.

The measure, passed by the U.S. House of Representatives last week largely along party lines, would require voters to present at the polls a photo identification that also proves citizenship for federal elections beginning in 2010.

Republicans said proof of citizenship is needed to crack down on voter fraud and ensure illegal immigrants do not vote in U.S. elections.

Democrats said there is no evidence of widespread abuse and that the cost and effort required to get such a document would discourage poor voters, the elderly and people with disabilities.

"Worst of all, this bill recalls a dark era in our nation when individuals were required to pay a poll tax to cast their ballot and has been termed a 21st century poll tax," Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid of Nevada and three other Democrats wrote in a letter to Frist, a Tennessee Republican.

Democrats said the only identification that would meet that requirement is a passport, which costs $97 to obtain. Only about 25 percent of Americans have passports.

Democrats fear Republicans will attach the photo identification measure to a domestic security spending bill the House and Senate could vote on next week.

They say such a move would be politically motivated to draw Democratic opposition to the homeland security bill that otherwise would easily pass just weeks ahead of the November 7 congressional elections.

If the identification measure were enacted it would likely face legal challenges. Recently judges in Missouri and Georgia ruled unconstitutional state laws requiring voter photo identification.

**The Reaper** · 09-24-2006, 08:40

Well, that sort of law would prevent the Dems from executing their usual election strategy.

"Vote early and vote often."

TR

Gypsy · 09-24-2006, 16:46

Ah yes, and let's not forget the cigarette enticement as well...

jasonglh · 09-24-2006, 20:18

Poll tax screams the polecats. (That means skunks to you city folks)

I have always had to show my photo ID here in Ky but I dont think we have voter registration cards.

How anyone functions in 2006 without any form of photo ID is beyond me.

rubberneck · 09-24-2006, 20:25

Quote:

Worst of all, this bill recalls a dark era in our nation when individuals were required to pay a poll tax to cast their ballot and has been termed a 21st century poll tax

Yeah let's let whoever wants to show up and vote vote regardless of their citizenship. That way we can go through a whole new era of darkenss where citizenship has no meaning. Bravo Harry. Bravo.

Monsoon65 · 09-24-2006, 20:54

That story had me scratching my head, because I have to show some sort of ID anytime I vote.

"Democrats said the only identification that would meet that requirement is a passport, which costs $97 to obtain. Only about 25 percent of Americans have passports."

And they like the illegals to have drivers licenses.

lrd · 09-24-2006, 21:11

I guess my question would be: what types of photo IDs show proof of cittizenship? I'd think that whatever you have to show when you fill out paperwork for a new job would suffice.

huntcg · 09-24-2006, 22:28

Even in the "hanging chad" state of Florida we had to show picture ID to vote as of the primaries a couple weeks ago. Pole tax???? In Florida it costs 10 dollars for a state issued identification card. (For those that have no need of a driver's license), and when I last lived in Indiana it was a comparable price. If you can't find the motivation to have a photo ID at election time, tough sh*t.

jfhiller · 09-25-2006, 10:49

I believe the legislation even provides free ID cards for people who are "unable" to afford one. The "poll tax" talk is all dishonest hot air.

x SF med · 09-25-2006, 10:58

But, by requiring people to show proof of citizenship, we might discriminate against those non-citizens who feel it is their right to to vote for the people who are going to give them the most money in public services. I mean, just because the non-citizens don't pay taxes, but burden the system with using services doesn't mean they shouldn't havethe right to vote, does it?

Hear that giant sucking sound? It's common sense being forcibly removed from America.

Aoresteen · 09-25-2006, 11:13

In Illinois you don't need to show an ID. That's how democrats move voters from polling place to polling place to vote multiple times.

OK, no ID needed. But get out the purple ink jars and once you have voted, dip your finger in it so you can't vote again. No cost to the voter! Hey, it worked in Iraq, why not in Cook County?

incommin · 09-25-2006, 12:58

Why not a national ID card? We all have a national ID number.......at least that is what our SSN number has become. Most have a state license to drive....why not a national ID card for voting and access to federal and state programs??????

Jim

The Dave · 09-25-2006, 13:11

I have to show my ID to get into some restaurants/bars. I have to show my ID when I make a purchase of even some small items at times. I show it at school all the time for various reasons. I don't complain.

Heaven forbid I have to show it when I go to vote for those who will represent us. Guess they just have this fear of how many people will actually vote for them, only once.

Books · 09-25-2006, 15:24

Don't you have to prove citizenship when you register to vote in the first place? I can't remember (it's been so long ago). Certainly showing photo ID to verify that you are indeed said person is reasonable. . .

A thought about illegals voting. . . considering that, from what I understand, most illegals don't vote and that most citizens (who can vote) in our country also don't vote, does it really matter that the few illegals who do value their new home (either legally or illegally) enough to go about making their contributions to the democratic process by casting a vote. Or is it more insidious - are there Chavez supporting migrant workers trying to hijack US elections by illegally voting? I mean, is this something about which to get bent around the axle? Don't we have bigger fish to fry?

Another thought. . . I remember reading Heinlein's Starship Troopers a long time ago and enjoying the part about those that contribute to the common good get to be citizens.

My two pennies and back to the discussion. . .

Books.

x SF med · 09-25-2006, 15:42

Books-
In Starship Troopers - I believe that military service got you citizenship, and all attendant responsibilities, rights and priveleges, to include the ability to run for office, but I think LEO duty was tied to the military - it's been a long time since my last reading of that classic.