Voter ID Bill Needs to Remain Vetoed
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It cannot be stressed too much: House Bill 351 is a bad idea. It wouldn’t solve the “problem” it addresses, but it would create a lot of new ones.
The “problem” is a virtually nonexistent one, especially in North Carolina: voter fraud. And even if it were a real one instead of a bogeyman ginned up for transparently political reasons, the “solution” — requiring photo identification cards at the polls — wouldn’t work. With today’s printing technology, phony IDs are a dime a dozen, as any clerk in a convenience store selling beer can tell you.
The real reason that photo ID bills have sprung up in Republican-controlled state legislatures across the nation is that their primary effect in the real world is the suppression of voting by those who lack such cards. And that category just happens to include disproportionate shares of racial and ethnic minorites, young people, old people, poor people and women — all of whom just happen to vote more heavily Democratic.
The General Assembly passed House Bill 351 last year, but Gov. Beverly Perdue wisely vetoed it. Now the House is said to be only five votes short of an override, with the prospects even dimmer in the Senate.
Nobody has even been able to point to any significant levels of voter fraud in North Carolina. Those pushing this supposed remedy for it are out to create mischief. House Bill 351 deserves to stay vetoed.
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Comments
JimHeim 1 year, 2 months ago
In today's news: Paul Carroll, an 86-year-old World War II veteran who has lived in the same Ohio town for four decades, was denied a chance to vote in the state’s primary contests today after a poll worker denied his form of identification, a recently-acquired photo ID from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The poll worker rejected the ID because it did not contain an address, as required by Ohio law...
The guy fought for this country and now, thanks to Republicans, can't vote here. Nice going.
Why bring it up again? Because Republicans in the general assembly are desperate to over ride the veto and deny the vote to as many North Carolinians as they can. We must remain vigilant.
Courseaire 1 year, 2 months ago
The poll worker rejected the ID because it did not contain an address, as required by Ohio law. This poll worker is very ill-informed about OHIO law. OHIO Voter ID Requirements: 1. Current and valid photo identification, defined as a document that shows the individual’s name and current address, includes a photograph, includes an expiration date that has not passed, and was issued by the U.S. government or the state of Ohio, or 2. Current utility bill or 3. Current bank statement or 4. Current government check, paycheck or other government document.
If no ID then: A voter who has but declines to provide identification may cast a provisional ballot upon providing a social security number or the last four digits of a social security number. A voter who has neither identification nor a social security number may execute an affidavit to that effect and vote a provisional ballot. A voter who declines to sign the affidavit may still vote a provisional ballot.
geoffcutler 1 year, 2 months ago
Who wrote this editorial? Jim Heim: have you taken a new job at the Pilot? I suppose if Voter ID passes, then we'll really have no reason to be concenred with voter fraud, will we? What is the left so afraid of when it comes to protecting this particular, sacred (and not made up out of thin air) American right?
JimHeim 1 year, 2 months ago
The ACLU is offering a $10,000 reward for the name of anyone prosecuted for voter impersonation (the only crime photo ID might prevent). That should be easy; just send them the name of someone caught committing this rampant crime.
Courseaire 1 year, 2 months ago
If I go to the doctor or lab & want services to be covered by my insurer, I show ID. If I buy alcoholic drinks, I show ID. If I write a check, I show ID. If I go thru security at the airport, I show ID. If I buy/sell a house, I show ID. If I get something notarized, I show ID and I'm sure there are a few other things were you must show ID. I just do not understand why it's so upsetting that you show ID to vote.
skylinefirepest 1 year, 2 months ago
I'll tell you why the dems are so eager to not have voter id...it'll kill their cemetary list of voters! They still have not given ANY REASON why voter id would cause any difficulty to anyone. They still say that it would hit the poor, people of color, college students, etc. without any proof that it would. As you say, a photo id is a requirement for a slew of things that we do in this life and I don't hear the dems saying that for a college student to have to show id for alcohol is a problem!
jon 1 year, 2 months ago
People get upset because it will stop dead people from voting, stop multiple votes from the same person, and will stop any other form of fraud from happening. People have to have ID at the unemployment office. How is that working? People have to have ID to get food stamps. How is that possible? Because there are rare few people that vote, that don't have an ID, whether they are poor or not. Let there be an affidavit people can sign saying they are indigent and, if they are, then they can get a free ID from the State DMV office. Problem solved.
JoeGarrison 1 year, 2 months ago
Liberal democrats have put themselves on the side of those who commit voter fraud, and who try to steal elections. Mr. Heim is trying to distract the coversation with a random occurence that is unfortunate but that doesn't negate the fact that we need more verification when it comes to our elections. http://news.investors.com/article/601209/201202141851/voter-registration-flaws-expose-elections-to-fraud-.htm http://citizenwells.com/2010/10/25/nc-voter-fraud-voting-machines-straight-democrat-defaults-craven-county-north-carolina/ Anyone who opposes the voter id bill can lie to themselves all they want, but their position puts them on the sides of political extortionists, illegal aliens, and those who would have fraudulent elections. This is not about parties. Elections should be fair and should be protected. Democrats and republicans should unite. Unless of course the democratic party doesn't want open and fair elections.
Courseaire 1 year, 2 months ago
Also - Need an ID to buy tobacco, certain magazines & videos, buy/rent a car, Harley or boat, open an account in a bank, get married and get into Ft Bragg & some other Gov't buildings.
fugitiveguy 1 year, 2 months ago
"The “problem” is a virtually nonexistent one, especially in North Carolina: voter fraud."
The left's obsession with defeating this is quite revealing. If you follow this illogic, then any problem you aren't looking for is "non existent". It has come to my attention that very soon a photo ID will be required to pick up controlled substance prescriptions at your pharmacy. I doubt the left will expend any significant energy protesting this "travesty"
fugitiveguy 1 year, 2 months ago
"Nobody has even been able to point to any significant levels of voter fraud in North Carolina. "
No amount would be significant to the left unless they found it benefited a conservative. They are so transparent which is more than I can say for the present administration.
dustyrhoades 1 year, 2 months ago
The fact that there is no evidence is just proof positive of how widespread the conspiracy is. Everyone knows that.
Courseaire 1 year, 2 months ago
I even think you need a photo ID to pick up a photo ID, maybe this is their quandary.
fugitiveguy 1 year, 2 months ago
"What is the left so afraid of when it comes to protecting this particular, sacred (and not made up out of thin air) American right?"
Its what I like to call a two-fer. When there are voting irregularities, it nearly always benefits the left. Also it gives them one more opportunity to trumpet how much they "care" about the poor and minorities. How is it the poor gave Obama $600 million to buy the White House but now they can't afford an ID card?
AFCHIEF 1 year, 2 months ago
HERE IS PROOF WHY WE NEED VOTER IDs
http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=GqMVxeZhflI&feature=player_embedded
fugitiveguy 1 year, 2 months ago
Hey Chief, thats MN, no way that could happen here. Heck, Dusty and Jim and The Pilot have been telling us that for years now.
fugitiveguy 1 year, 2 months ago
Maybe this is how Al Franken got in office.
lonedog12000 1 year, 2 months ago
Why is it, that only the democrates have a problem with voter I.D? When people can determine the destiny of our country, ALL people should be able to provide I.D.
JimHeim 1 year, 2 months ago
courseair, not a single one of the activities you list is a constitutional right. Voting is, and before you make it difficult to exercise that right, you need a very good reason. What's yours?
buskwon 1 year, 2 months ago
House Bill 351 is a bad idea. It wouldn’t solve the “problem” it addresses, but it would create a lot of new ones. That's a bunch of BS. house bill 351 , A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT TO RESTORE CONFIDENCE IN GOVERNMENT BY REQUIRING THAT VOTERS PROVIDE PHOTO IDENTIFICATION BEFORE VOTING. Whats the problem with that ?
fugitiveguy 1 year, 2 months ago
"ALL people should be able to provide I.D."
I think the number of people who do not have a picture ID is likely infitesimal, when you think of all the things you cannot do without photo ID. Very soon you will have to have one to pick up that percocet or other controlled substance at the pharmacy. My guess is those who don't have one will now be motivated to get one.
geoffcutler 1 year, 2 months ago
Fugitive, you're on a roll today. Especially the bit about...just because we can't find any, it must not exist. Think anyone on the left is actually looking? Nah....!
It's that old logic thing again.
And how about how the poor shouldn't have to carry ID because they can't afford it, or they can't commute to the office to get the ID filled? Is that the height of respect the left has in the self determination of American individuals? How far we've fallen. Pathetic!
fugitiveguy 1 year, 2 months ago
"Voting is, and before you make it difficult to exercise that right, you need a very good reason. "
Jim, does you feel its discriminatory to make poor people and minorities get a drivers license in order to drive? Wouldn't that cause the same faux hardship?
fugitiveguy 1 year, 2 months ago
"That's a bunch of BS."
Its a formula that has worked for a long time. Esp effective when you have a complicit media. But, wth do I know, I'm nuts. Cuckoo for coco puffs!!
Arestorer 1 year, 2 months ago
More or less Government ???? Make up your minds....I dont label myself, one side or the other...But if pushed, I guess my left leg is a little shorter...I dont believe there is a significant fraud problem, But also, I am for Voter ID.......Like some are saying, even 1 fraudulent vote is to many..
Arestorer 1 year, 2 months ago
JoeGarrison;
Hope alls going well with your new baby and job...
Thought maybe you forgot about all of us screamers..
JimHeim 1 year, 2 months ago
More news today; a judge in Michigan put their photo ID law on hold because it places an undue burden on minorities and the elderly. Just how much do you think you can burden minorities and the elderly in the search for unicorns?
geoffcutler 1 year, 2 months ago
"More news today; a judge in Michigan put their photo ID law on hold because it places an undue burden on minorities and the elderly. Just how much do you think you can burden minorities and the elderly in the search for unicorns?" JH
See what I mean? Pathetic!
Where oh where would these poor lambs be without government to save them from those mean and nasty people that want them to identify themselves if they vote? Lunacy!
fugitiveguy 1 year, 2 months ago
"Voting is, and before you make it difficult to exercise that right, you need a very good reason."
I can think of one very good reason. Integrity of our electoral process. You see we all need to be able to have confidence in the results. Forgive me if the left saying "its all good" doesn't do it for me. It doesn't disenfranchise anyone, thats just more crapola from your side. Why would anyone be against that? Frankly I'm very dissapointed in my friends on the left.
JimHeim 1 year, 2 months ago
geoff, it remains the fact that your side can not find a single instance of voter impersonation that these laws are supposed to prevent. Not. One.
Why should we give up the right to vote just to amuse you?
fugitiveguy 1 year, 2 months ago
JimHeim9 minutes ago
"More news today; a judge in Michigan put their photo ID law on hold because it places an undue burden on minorities and the elderly."
Now thats shocking.....not!!
fugitiveguy 1 year, 2 months ago
Well, Jim is the requirement of a drivers license discriminatory to poor and minorities? I think you might be on to something. Should their requirement be waived. What about this new rule about photo ID's to get narcotics and the like, surely that too is a right wing plot!! When are the rallies?
fugitiveguy 1 year, 2 months ago
"The guy fought for this country and now, thanks to Republicans, can't vote here. Nice going."
Yes, the right has a long, long history of not honoring the military. How many right wing colleges won't even let the military recruit on their campuses. It is scandelous.
geoffcutler 1 year, 2 months ago
Whatever you want to believe, Jim. I'd like to see these IDs given to the poor lambs for free. And why don't some of the leftist political operatives who come out of the woodwork on election day to drive these folks to the polls re-rent their vans and take these commuter challenged to the places where they'll get their new free photo ID?
fugitiveguy 1 year, 2 months ago
Geoff, thats a good IDea. You know, I hear Obama will have nearly a billion bucks to play with this election, he should spend a little on these less fortunate constituents.
lonedog12000 1 year, 2 months ago
I'll bet anyone who fought in the military has an I.D, I know my son does. He fought in Iraq, and it's not the elderly or the minorities who has a problem, it's the left who want multiple votes and names stolen off tomb stones voting..I don't care if you fought in 5 wars, produce an I.D or you don't VOTE. This is why our country will fail, or is failing because when we can vote ourselves benifits off the backs of the tax payers, then we have more recieving than giving.
geoffcutler 1 year, 2 months ago
Oooh, I'm with you Fugitive. He cares so deeply about them... what's a few million off the top to see that they all get shiny new voter ID cards?
JimHeim 1 year, 2 months ago
wdd, send their names to the ACLU and collect your reward. Of course, they would have to have used voter impersonation to qualify.
Oh, darn. From the source you quoted: Authorities charge that she voted on Election Day 2010 as a transfer voter in one precinct and then voted on Election Day provisionally in another precinct. The reason given for the second vote was "wrong precinct."
Sorry, photo ID wouldn't have prevented this. Can you find an actual case photo ID would have worked to prevent voter fraud? We'll wait.
lonedog12000 1 year, 2 months ago
Do you think these folks will cheat?
Case would let thousands of Calif. criminals vote SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — The nonpartisan League of Women Voters and two prisoners' rights groups sued California elections officials on Wednesday, claiming that tens of thousands of criminals being shifted to county jails and community supervision should be eligible to vote.
buskwon 1 year, 2 months ago
§ 163-166.14. Voter identification card. Each county board of elections shall accept applications for and issue North Carolina voter identification cards to registered voters in that county. The voter identification card shall be valid only for purposes of voter identification and proof of voter registration under this Chapter and available only to registered voters of this State. No fee shall be charged or collected for the application for or issuance of a North Carolina voter identification card. AGAIN WHAT'S THE PROBLEM WITH THAT, IT'S FREE
skylinefirepest 1 year, 2 months ago
Jimmy Heim...if you never look then obviously you'll never find. Don't try to tell us that unmitigated crap about "not one" since you don't need to look any further than the archives of WRAL. Look just a little bit Jimmy and you'll find that there were a couple of minority individuals from ( I believe ) Durham that voted twice for Obama and got caught at it. That wasn't voter fraud?? Just a case of they mistakenly thought it was all right?? Come on Jimmy, tell the truth for once, if they had voted Republican you would be the first in line hollering about the rights of the Democrats to have an honest election, now wouldn't you?? And I'll be your Liberal Judge couldn't state a single case of hardship if pressed now could he?? To be blunt about it I'm sick and damn tired of the DEMOCRATS making this an issue. Voting is one of our most precious rights and you are not willing to try to make sure that only those that are legal citizens are able to partake of this right. Jimmy Heim YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELF AND YOUR PARTY on this issue.
JimHeim 1 year, 2 months ago
Yet more news today. This from Michigan: Mr. Ricky Tyrone Lewis is 58 years old, a Marine Corps Veteran and a lifelong Milwaukee resident. He was able to offer proof of his honorable discharge but Milwaukee County has been unable to find the record of his birth so he cannot obtain a voter ID card. Ms. Ruthelle Frank, now 84, is a lifelong resident of Brokaw, Wisconsin and a member of her town board since 1996. She has voted in every election over the past 64 years but she does not have a voter ID card. She located her birth certificate but found that her name was misspelled. She was advised to obtain a certified copy of the incorrect birth certificate and try to use that to obtain a voter ID card. . . .
Remind ne again why you don't want to allow people like this to vote. What have they ever done to you?
JimHeim 1 year, 2 months ago
wdd, that is the most idiotic post yet. Look further and you'll find that when investigated, the list was bogus.
Courseaire 1 year, 2 months ago
wdd - that was uncalled for & you should apologize. Everyone is entitled to post their opinions, you can choice to ignore it if you don't like it.
JimHeim 1 year, 2 months ago
Sorry wdd, it's not my job to educate you. And you don't seem to think it's yours either.
Courseaire 1 year, 2 months ago
JumHeim some time ago "not a single one of the activities you list is a constitutional right. Voting is, and before you make it difficult to exercise that right, you need a very good reason."
You are saying that because it is a Constitutional right, you don't need to prove who you are? Is this what you are trying to say?
What does showing your ID have to do with voting. You are not being denied the right to vote, you are identifying that you are that person (with the right) to vote.
JoeGarrison 1 year, 2 months ago
@arestorer- The baby is doing great. He is such a blessing. And I guess I'm a screamer too so can't ignore the roots:)
JimHeim 1 year, 2 months ago
Courseaire, Being a right means you can't impede it without a good reason. You can't charge a poll tax, make you prove that your grandfather was registered, require a literacy test, or any of a number of things were deemed cute tricks in their day.
So far your side has produced not one rational reason for a photo ID requirement. Not.One. You have not shown that photo ID would in any way ensure the validity of the voting process. This remains nothing more than a thinly veiled attempt to intimidate voters and suppress the votes of those who vote for candidates and issues of which you disapprove.
Along with this silly idea, Republicans dramatically reduced the early voting period. Why? Because working people found it easier to cast ballots. Too, the photo ID process will be costly and slow the process significantly on Election Day. All those judges have to be trained to correctly assess the ID presented and they'll have to be very careful to get it right. That may take a lot of cross-checking while you stand there.
Simulations by election officials in jurisdictions where this is the rule show longer lines and an increase in voters leaving before casting a ballot. That's not a bug; it's a feature.
Courseaire 1 year, 2 months ago
Then why do we need to register to vote - this is impeding our right to vote. I have not found that showing my ID has slowed the process down. What usually slows it down are the number of people that show up to vote - which I have found to be dismal. I'm sure that require IDs has kept everyone away. I have run into any problems. In fact my ID does not have my address on it, but a PO Box & I haven't yet been denied my right to vote.
AFCHIEF 1 year, 2 months ago
JimHeim, so obviously you did not watch this video or CHOOSE TO IGNORE THIS.
http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=GqMVxeZhflI&feature=player_embedded
geoffcutler 1 year, 2 months ago
I'm noticing the word "rational" being bandied about now by our leftist friends. This was the key word used by the Ninth District Court of Appeals in its 2-1 decision overruling of Prop. 8 in California. That the voters of California had no "rational" reason to vote to overturn the Supreme Court decision in that state to allow same-sex marriage. The dissenting justice wrote that he did not believe voters were being irrational.
"Rational" must be the new buzz-word of the left. Talk about oxymoronic!
Courseaire 1 year, 2 months ago
I have to work to provide for me & my family. In order to meet those needs, I have to work 12 hours a day, six days a week. Being a good Christian man, I won't work on Sunday so I can attend to the Lord, attend church & have my family time. I have to drive 2 hours to work & 2 hours back. I leave a 5 am & do not get home until 9 pm. I'm denied my right to vote because the polls are closed while I'm at work. How is this fair being denied my Constitutional Right, how is this rational??
fugitiveguy 1 year, 2 months ago
"So far your side has produced not one rational reason for a photo ID requirement. Not.One."
Only in the minds of the irrational. Your party benefits from fraud so its cool, we get it. Plus you get the added benefit of flying the phony racism flag which also benefits your side.
fugitiveguy 1 year, 2 months ago
"JimHeim, so obviously you did not watch this video or CHOOSE TO IGNORE THIS."
If its unspinable, they will not acknowledge it.
fugitiveguy 1 year, 2 months ago
Crazy, wingnut, irrational, extreme...the left loves to paint the opposition as mentally unstable. I would be willing to compare my medication list anytime they want to. Maybe they would stop such juvenile antics.
Courseaire 1 year, 2 months ago
I know this is a little off topic & came from Faux News, but this can't be good new for the left, especially from left supported Hollywood:
...according to an annual study conducted by the Christian-focused entertainment advocacy group Movieguide, which found that in 2011, American audiences preferred movies with strong conservative content and values over movies with liberal or left-leaning values by an almost six-to-one margin.
I know this group is biased, but still.
Mythreekids 1 year, 2 months ago
I am an American who happens to be a beautiful brown (imo). I have used my ID at the polls for 25 years, just because. And, my grandma had ID that she used as well (and she died 18 years ago at 92). I think that requiring ID is not suppression or a hardship in this era simply because you can't do anything without ID. You even have to have ID to pick your children (grandchildren, etc.) up from Day Care Centers, high schoolers have to wear an ID badge. Because I worked in manufactuing locally and saw how ID's are abused (illegals using fake ID's -their picture, somebody else's name) and Plant Managers knowing it), I do think that the poll workers need to actually look at the picture and match picture and face as they match the address. I present my DL and they seldom look at it. Just ask for address. Trust me, enforcement is really going to be the greater issue. After all, they just redrew the maps to get elected...not a new practice, just saying.
skylinefirepest 1 year, 2 months ago
Jim, you are being patently dishonest AGAIN!! If you CHOOSE not to see the evidence then obviously you can't determine a problem. We can show you a thousand pieces of evidence but since you're a beneficiary then you won't look at it. You're a fraud, Mr. Heim! And since what I'm saying is the truth then your buds can't accuse me of calling names!! Defend yourself if you can, Mr. Dishonest Moore Country Democrat Party Chairman!!
Courseaire 1 year, 2 months ago
Mythreekids - Oh, you are suppressed, you just don't realize it. I'll let JimHeim explain it to you.
fugitiveguy 1 year, 2 months ago
Mythreekids, Courseaire is right. After Jim and the gang school you, you'll be ready to pitch a tent and occupy something. All jokes aside, its refreshing to hear your side. Thanks.
Mythreekids 1 year, 2 months ago
That's ok. Jim works pretty hard for what he believes in. And, it never hurts me to look at what is before me and make my own decision about what I think. And, just for the record, I don't call people names like right wing nuts or left wing liberal. I don't sit in the middle of anything either. I just make my decisions based on how "I" interpret information. Coursaire, you could get an absentee ballot. Hate to think you would get a chance to weigh in when it counts. I am a registered, active Democrat and see no need to apologize. I do look at issues, do my own research, and come to a conclusion. And, when I pick up the pen to vote, it is my opinion that matters at that time. And I leave the polls feeling good about my final decision.
fugitiveguy 1 year, 2 months ago
"I think that requiring ID is not suppression or a hardship in this era simply because you can't do anything without ID."
"Let me be clear", this is a phony issue, the motive is obvious, anyone who disagrees "just doesn't know the facts"
Courseaire 1 year, 2 months ago
Mythreekids - I'm sure you are as beautiful outside as you are inside! An inspiration. Absentee ballot is not the same as going in to pull the lever or punch that chad. In order to really preserve my right, the polls should be open for at least 24 hours.
JER 1 year, 2 months ago
This voter ID horse has just about been whipped to death. A photo ID will have no, none, zero effect on someone wanting to cast a fraudulent vote. They are like locks on a door, they only keep the good, honest people out. If we want to go through the charade of thinking that a picture on a document will guarantee every vote is legitimate, then let's have one, universal photo ID document, issued by one source and requiring each and every voter to submit to the same set of criteria for obtaining it. Go back and re-read the post by Courseaire 23 hours ago concerning the Ohio Voter ID requirements. Does a system like that strike you as foolproof? At least have a system that requires all voters to meet the same standards. I may be wrong, but I suspect that the current push for a photo voter ID has more to do with an attempt to make it more difficult for a certain segment of society to vote and it is being pursued for political reasons. My proposal simply makes it equally difficult for ALL voters, not just that certain segment. And after all the time, effort and money spent doing it, we will be no closer to eliminating an individual who wants to cheat the system.
AFCHIEF 1 year, 2 months ago
HEIM, still waiting for an answer
JimHeim, so obviously you did not watch this video or CHOOSE TO IGNORE THIS.
http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=GqMVxeZhflI&feature=player_embedded
JimHeim 1 year, 2 months ago
Courseaire, in North Dakota they don't have voter registration. So I guess you don't need to have it.
Still, since you can register for free and in a lot of places, the courts decided that registration is not a barrier.
JimHeim 1 year, 2 months ago
Courseaire, I didn't say that limiting voting hours so that working Americans are seriously inconvenienced, I simply pointed out the partisan reason for it.
Courseaire 1 year, 2 months ago
JH - in North Dakota they don't have voter registration. So I guess you don't need to have it - I don't think there are any dishonest people in North Dakota - too cold & desolate, plus it being such a big swing state.
JimHeim 1 year, 2 months ago
wdd, Against my better judgement I watched your video. Completely irrelevant. This is not about registering under a fake name. It isn't about third-party registration. It's about showing ID at the poll. That's all
Did you know that if you were helping to register voters, and someone filled out the form as Mickey Mouse and you didn't submit ti you would be committing a crime? In North Carolina, only the board of Elections can register voters. They (and only they) are responsible for determining if the registration is valid.
Now, tell me how photo ID will make the system safer. And quit wasting my time with moronic videos.
fugitiveguy 1 year, 2 months ago
Hey, Jim. I posed the question to you yesterday, its a simple one. Do you feel that requiring a drivers license in order to drive provides an unfair burden on the poor and minorities. Please provide a brief rationale for your answer.
JER 1 year, 2 months ago
fugitiveguy: I find it peculiar that you say "poor and minorities" as if they are similar groups of individuals. Please provide a brief rationale for your statement.
Courseaire 1 year, 2 months ago
JER - Read what the writer wrote. fg just left out old people & women. What I really find interesting is that those that don't want ID feel that voting is less important than all those activities listed above that require ID. I would think that if it was important enough to put in the constitution, that it would be important enough to show that the correct person is exercising that right.
JimHeim 1 year, 2 months ago
fugitiveguy, once again, driving is not a right. If you want to drive, you have to learn how and get a license. Voting is a right. You only have to be a citizen age 18 or over (with some conditions regarding felony convictions (a proviso intended to impact the African-American community). You don't need a license to vote.
Is that clear enough?
JimHeim 1 year, 2 months ago
fugitiveguy, voting is not less important than those other activities, it's much more. Thus, we must remove all obstacles possible to prevent impediments. Before you erect an obstruction, you must have a compelling reason. So far your side has utterly failed to provide even the slightest case.
Courseaire 1 year, 2 months ago
Therefore I can walk into any number of polling places, any number of times and ask for a ballot and vote as many times as I want (vote early & often), no questions asked because it is my constitutional right according to JimHeim.
JimHeim 1 year, 2 months ago
Courseaire, stupid argument. No you can't. Well you could try, but it's a felony and I doubt you're ready to do the time.
Maybe you can complete this sentence: Requiring photo ID at the polls will benefit the state by.....
Seems simple enough. Of course a thinking person would finish this one too: Requiring photo ID at the polls will add the following costs in time and money to the process.....
Give it your best shot.
Mythreekids 1 year, 2 months ago
Voting is a right, according to the Constitution, that was denied to a segment of Americans for a long time. That is one of the reasons I don't allow myself to be intimidated into voting or not for a particular candidate. I make my own decision. I think, for me, the biggest fraud in voting came when George Bush was given the election for his last term. Even the uneducated could decipher that fiasco, no matter who you voted for.. So, would Voter IDs really make a difference? Possibly only the first election cycle after the law passed, and then only because people may or may not obtain the ID by a given deadline for that election, unless they get them like they do illegal SScards and Driver's Licenses. For me, there are just bigger issues that need to be addressed now that will mean so much more to mainstream working American people. Have a great day, everyone.
skylinefirepest 1 year, 2 months ago
Mythree....Bush was definitely NOT given the election. Those of us on the other side of your opinion looked at it as the loonie left finding ballots in car trunks and hanging chads, if they were for the left, etc. It was a fair election and I cringe to think of what four years of his opponent while we are in a war on terror would have been like.
buddysmith 1 year, 2 months ago
why cant the state just offer a free id card? that way it would not discriminate against anyone. if a person shows up to vote, no id, no vote. if a person can not find a ride to the dmv, to get a free id card, then they shouldnt be able to vote!!!
JimHeim 1 year, 2 months ago
People with flawed birth certificates (or none because they were delivered at home at a time when they weren't required) have trouble getting those IDs. Since this solves no problems and is simply an obstacle placed by Republicans to dissuade them from voting, what's the point? Why should they do this just to amuse conservatives?
And those cards would cost several million dollars. Do you think we have that to spare just for fun?