In Congress currently is H.R. 4844, a bill that would require voters to present a photo ID at the polls in order to vote. This quote is taken from http://thomas.loc.gov/.
"To amend the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to require any individual who desires to register or re-register to vote in an election for Federal office to provide the appropriate State election official with proof that the individual is a citizen of the United States to prevent fraud in Federal elections, and for other purposes."
Pros and cons:
1. Photo ID helps prevent voter fraud.
2. Photo ID is impractical and costly for the elderly and poor.
3. Many people already have this ID - their driver's license - so it will cost little to implement.
4. There's little evidence to suggest that such voter fraud actually exists.
5. Illegal aliens are prevented from voting by such a law.
6. Judges have recently struck down laws like these (or given injunctions to stop them) in states like Missouri http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/politics/15519955.htm, Georgia, Ohio, Indiana, and Arizona.
Read up on it at http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2006/09/15/voterid/index_np.html
So tell us what you think: should Americans have a photo ID to vote in federal elections? Why or why not?
40 comments:
I think having a photo ID to vote is a bad idea. One reason why I think it is a bad idea is because many people do not have a photo ID because they do not drive. The State/Federal Government would have to set up a photo ID system to ensure all Americans could acquire a photo ID. Transportation would need to be provided for the Americans who cannot drive. In my opinion, I think this is unfair that the people, who are elderly, or disabled, should have a photo ID regardless if they cannot drive. One of America's privileges allows us to vote no matter of your race, creed, color or sex.
I agree with the photo Id idea. I too think this will help. If we follow through on this idea then people won't be able to do illeagal things such as changing another person's vote.
-Elise Lieberman
5th hour
I think that the photo ID is a good idea when voting. I think this because what if someone isnt old enough to vote and they trick them. Or what if they arent a U.S citizen and they still vote. The Photo ID can help the law. As for the poor and elderly people, you can still vote, but i would say if this is allowed to go to a court house of somesort and ask for a free ID there. So that will help you vote. Once again, i think that the photo ID is a good idea, but if other people don't think it is, i can see where they're coming from.
--Rhema S.
6th hour
i think that voter I.D's would be a very good thing for elections. it could prevent illegals from voting, it could help in so many ways. i dont think that there is a bad thing that could come out of haveing I'D's the only thing that could possibly go wrong is that people forget their I.D. But, all legal voters sould have one, so that souldent be a problem. It would just be a more safe way to run the elections.
Ryan D. 5th hour.
No, I don;t think Americans should have to show photo I.D. because it violates their right to vote. I feel that if you are listed to vote then you can vote. Apparently you are an American if you are on the list. What would be the point of having an ID? Plus if elders aren't driving anymore then what's the point of them carrying an ID on them. It would be a waste of time and a waste of money for them to get an ID. I do agree thought that if you are an illegal immigrant then you shouldn't be able to vote, but your name wouldn't be on the list in the first place.
~Eboni Bell~
6th Hour
I do feel that Americans should have photo ID's presented when the vote. What people forget is that we do not live in a perfect world and that identity theft. If we do not show ID's, someone could vote as your name so when you came in, you would not be able to leave your vote. At 18, most Americans already have their drivers license, but that is not the only ID you could have. You could have a state ID. Some people don't care about you voting and could use your name to get away with things.
Brittany Clay
6th hour
I feel that having a photo ID to vote isn't a bad idea. But if the price of one is a problem, maybe the price should be lowered. This would prevent fraud and keep those who are not allowed to vote from voting. While at the same time allowing those who can vote to vote. This could most likely elimate a lot of problems that occur at the polls. Maybe instead of having to carry an ID, the polls could have a list with their photos.
Madelyn Polzin
6th Hour
I don't agree with the idea of having a photo ID. There is a list of people who have the right to vote and if people aren't on this list they can't vote. So why should everybody pay much money for getting an ID. The poor people perhaps have not the money to pay for a photo ID. Only real Americans are on this list. Only they can vote and I don't think that somebody else will get the right to vote. Why are there the lists??
Simone Griener
5th hour
I feel that a photo ID should be required to vote. For those that drive, this isn't a problem. Those who don't will just have to spend a little money for one. In my opinion, I would rather spend a little money for an ID than have illegal aliens taking part in our vote. I feel that this would be better for our voting sytem, and therefore is a good idea.
-John Ross 6th hour
i think that everyone should have a photo ID at a poll. because if you didnt then there is a possible area of identity theft. if we have a possible source of identity then fraudlency can be reduced. and this saves money from identity theft damages. gowever more then 1 source of identity theft is improper because it is unjust and cruel.i think that proof ofc citizenship and ID is fine because immigrants can get proper ID even though they are not citizens. we can have ID and Proof of Citizenship because everything else is unnecessary.
August O.
I think having a photo ID is a good idea in order to vote in the United States. It just doesn't make any sense why you wouldn't show idea in this situation. You have to show photo ID every where else you go, so why shouldn't you show ID when voting. With all of the fraud going around the country, it just makes sense that you would show an ID when voting. A photo ID is already needed when traveling and driving, so really only a small amount of people would need to get an ID, which costs a small amount of money.
Leah C.
6th Hour
I believe that voters should be required to show ID. More and more illegal immigrants are migrating to America. It is unfair to United States citizens that foreigners are making our country's decisions. A small inconvenience can assure fair and just results in the polls.
Chelsea R
6th hour
I believe that american citizens should be required to present a photo i.d. when voting. This can prevent two things. It can prevent people from voting multiple times. It can also prevent illegal immigrants from voting. This could solve many problems in the voting process.
-Evie C.
6th Hour
I think that photo ID should be required when you vote. I think there is a larger majoritey of people who drive then who don't, so showing there drivers license won't be a problem. If you are one of those people who don't drive you can use your passport, or spend little money on one thing that may help our country. Such a small thing such as an ID can save big problem from happening such as fraud and people doing illegal things. Doing such a small task may help our voting system become stronger.
-Shayna Stillman
6th Hour
I think the photo ID is a good thing to prevent fraud. Using a drivers liscense would not be a difficult thing because almost everyone over 18 has there liscense. If you dont have a liscense it would not be expensive or time consuming just to get a photo ID. So i think it would be a good idea.
-Jeff Kohl 6th Hr.
I think everyone should have a ID when voting. It will prevent immigrants that are not American citizens from voting. This will also make things more fair for everyone. It will make things hard for people who dont have an ID but this way it can help make sure American citizens are just voting for their American representatives.
Maddie McCallum
6th hour
I think that having a photo ID in order to vote is a good idea. Most people eligible to vote have their driver’s license or state ID already. It makes things easier when ID is presented. It would help prevent voter fraud. It would also help prevent illegal aliens from voting.
-Brandi B.
I agree that havong a photo id is a good idea. Everywhere else you go you have to have some sort of identification. Why not at the poles, it can provent illegal person's from voting. There can be many set backs the would have to have a notice and tell people the need there idea also it cost money to have a id and meny people may not be able to afford id.
Ashley B
5th hour
I think it is a good idea. It is a good idea because people wont be able to do illegal actions on voting. People cannot use other peoples right of voting and people from outside the country won't be able to vote.
Ken M.
i also agree with people who think that it is a good idea. Evie brought up a good point plus it can also show if you have had mugshots that means that if you were an ex fellen that you couldn't vote. this way we do not need to deal with Flordia's problem again with the 2000 election. instead of just going by name now, they can also go by what you look like. I mean why else wouldn't you show it. You show it at blockbuster if you don't have the right card, why can't you show it when you vote?
-michael mcdonald
6th hour
I think everyone should have a ID when voting. It will help prevent immigrants from voting. It will also keep things fair for the American citizens, since they are the ones who are voting for their own representative. In the end have a ID when voting just makes since it just shows that you belong to this counrty and have the right to vote.
I think that having to have an ID to vote is a bad idea. I think that having an ID isn't a big deal for most people, but others that don't have the money for it or for elderly people it might be a hassle not losing it or something. I feel that it would just complicate everything because people may lose their ID or forget it or people would make fake ID's and it would just make everything harder to keep in order. I think it's against people's personal rights to have to carry ID to do something like voting. In a lot of ways I understand how it's a good idea in theory, but I just think that in reality it would be too much of a hassle.
Colleen M
I think that requiring photo IDs to vote has some good aspects, but also some negative ones. For example, it would be good because it will help reduce voter fraud or turning people away at the polls because their name vaguely resembles an ex-convict. On the other hand, it would be difficult for many people to get these IDs, and some people may just decide not to vote if they have to go through a complicated process to get the photo identification. Already a lot of people just decide not to go to the polls and vote.
Emily Fitzgerald
6th Hour
I feel that there is no need for a photo ID if you want to vote. I dis-agree that you must have one to have the right to vote.
First of all, think about the millions of people who do not have enough money to afford a photo ID. This ridiculous requirement is keeping them from voting. It is keeping them from their rights. Anyone on this earth should have the right to vote and speak their mind with or without a photo ID.
Isn't That what America's all about? Having the freedom to speak out your mind no matter your gender, race, color, culture...
-Luciana D.
6th hour
i think this is a good idea. because it helps makes sure that only U.S citizens are voting. also, it will help stop people stealing other people's names.
-Myles Williams
6th hour
I think showing your photo ID when you vote is a good idea. It helps prove who you are and keep out illegal voters. The majority of people over 18 have a photo ID so it wouldn't be hard to show it when you vote. A lot of other places require a photo ID, like when you want to by alcohol at the gorcery store. So if you have to show your ID at a grocery store it wouldn't be too much of a hassel to show it at the voting polls. It would also help from having another problem like the 2000 Flordia election.
-Claire M
5th hour
I do not think that Americans should have an ID to vote in federal elections because even though it would prevent illegal aliens from voting, somebody could steal someone else’s ID and put their own picture on it or something like that. Also, since voter fraud is almost non-existent, then you would be paying for something or paying for people to check something for basically no reason. I could understand if someone had caused a lot of controversy over this matter and ruined the system or something but if it is going to put certain people like the poor or elderly, in even more jeopardy, then why even bother. Another reason why I am against this is because if illegal aliens are already prevented by doing this by a law, then we can’t do much else to enforce it. Even if they go against that law, if they get caught then not only will we discover that they are aliens but they are also breaking a federal offence and could have penalties. Also, if other states have certain laws to not do this, like Missouri, Georgia, Ohio, Arizona and Indiana, then they must have researched the outcomes to find that it is all just a burden on what was supposed to be the right of speech.
So in conclusion, I do not think that Americans should use photo IDs to vote because it is burdensome on women who have changed their names since they got married and the poor and elderly.
-Stephanie N.
To me it's both good and bad. There are a lot elderly and poor that do not have a photo i.d that are u.s citzens and this hurts them. It is not only against there rights but very unfair. It effects the outcome and in my opinion helps the republican party because the upperclass tend to vote republican causng the democrats to lose a ton of votes. But at the same if thre is no requirement then more non u.s citezens can vote and this could make a huge difference in each party and would be unfair to the party that recieves less of those "illegal votes."
I think a photo i.d. should be required when voting. I believe if this takes place that less fraud will occur and there will be less confusion. Still everyone can have his or her freedom to vote but with a safer affect.
Kellie H.
5th hour
I believe that photo id should be used only if there is a sufficent need or reason behind requiring it. I think it would be a good idea to ensure the person's right to vote. Also, if the work to make photo id avaiable to all is more than it is worth I would be in favor of not requiring photo id.
-Mariah Van Ermen
6th Hour
Well i belive that having a photo ID to vote is a good idea simply because of the age system to vote. Very many young people today lie about their age so they can vote. But the age limit to vote is 18. In my opinion its wrong to not let teens at the age of 13 or older shouldnt be able to vote. Its everybody's right to vote. Young people has as much say as any older person that can vote. Teens can make a difference in the polls.
I also disagree with it simply because of the elderly's benefit. It wouldnt be right to not let the ederly not vote just because of some stupid I.D. Some ederly people dont have an I.D period so why would people take the senior citizens right away to vote they've been experienced they know what a good or bad president is.
Eric Wynns ~5th hour~
I think photo I.D.s would be a good thing because its not much of a hassel to obtain a photo id. The poor could afford photo I.D. its not too much money, and its just good to have where ever you are. You need photo id for many things not just driveing so it would help them in more then just voteing if they obtain a photo id.
Joseph Elia
5th Hour
I think that a bill that would require voters to present a photo ID at the polls in order to vote is a good idea. This bill would prevent voter fraud from happening. Photo ID is very easy an inexpensive technology. I think that there should also be a program that would help get a photo ID for those who’s it’s hard to get like the elderly or poor people.
Bruno 5th hour
I think that having a photo ID to vote is a good idea. Since lots of people who are over 18 already have some type of photo id on them all the time this would not be a problem. But for the older ones this might be a little harder since some don't drive anymore. So the gov't should provide for people 65 and older who don't drive a photo id free of charge. Being ided to vote is just like when they id you to buy alcohol at the store.Which helps keep alcohol out of the hands of minors. This will help prevent fraud at elections.
Emily Betts
5th hour
I agree with the quote. Without picture identfication, people can pretend they are someone else. Some people might pretend to be someone else to change that person's vote.
-Elise Lieberman
5th hour
i think that having an id to vote is a bad idea. i think this because a lot of people can't just go get one it's not that simple you have to have money in order to get those and you and some people don't have money like that but they would like to vote. i also think that they elderly people want the chance to vote but why would they need an id whats the point there older you know that by looking at them sp why would they need a id. so that why i think people shouldn't need a id in order to vote
I definently think that you should have to show a photo ID at the polls. With out that so many people would me able to vote for some else. Someone could easily keep going back to the polls and voting because they wuoldnt no already if that person was tehre or not. Also what is someone went pretending they were someone else and voted for the person then wantd to vote for. Then the next day the real person who the were pretending to be would try to go and vote and they wouldnt be able to and it would cause confusion caos.
-Jordan B. 6th hour
I beleive that there should be photo ID at voting booths. I think this because if there is photo ID at a voting booth there would be less illegal votes as there are now. This is also a bad idea because some americans dont have photo ID so they wont be able to vote and that stinks. This is my opinion on photo ID.
~Ralph Godette
I think a voter I.D. would be a good idea. Even though it would be one more card that everyone would have to carry it would help prevent problems like the ones that occuried in florida a couple of years back.
~Jonathon C.~ (5th hour)
I believe that everyone should have photo ID's in order to vote because it gets rid of confusion. Even though people dont have drivers liscences, you are still required by state law to carry some form of ID. It also protects you from fraud.
~Jasmine Montgomery
Post a Comment