I remember having a voters registration card

[G-Man]

Issued by New York City, or New York State.  It had my name, my party affiliation and my signature.  It may have also had my voting place address or number on it as well.  I remember the old ladies at the public school in Flushing, Queens checking the signature on the card to the signature I placed next to my name when I signed in to vote. 

I can't recall when that went away.  Nowadays, I go to the local library, tell them my name, sign, no ID check, and vote. 

The only folks today without ID are those that are intentionally flying below the radar.  If you work or collect  fill in the blank  you have to have ID, if you cash, or deposit, a paycheck, you need ID.  If you are here undocumentedly or work off of the books, you don't need an ID.  I can't think of any other reason why someone would not have some form of identification.  Everyone starts out with at least a birth certificate.  If you've immigrated, you have those documents.  Even if you're poor and a minority.

[3fan4life]

Don't you KNOW that laws requiring voters to provide a VALID ID are Racist ?

MSNBC Host: Voter ID Laws a Racist GOP Conspiracy	powered by Aeva

[G-Man]

Don't you KNOW that laws requiring voters to provide a VALID ID are Racist ?

Yes, I've heard.  But for life of me, I can't figure out why?   

[Serk]

Don't you KNOW that laws requiring voters to provide a VALID ID are Racist ?

Yes, I've heard.  But for life of me, I can't figure out why?  

Because the fraudulent votes tend to go their way, and anything that goes against the anointed one and his chosen disciples is racist. Duh! 

[G-Man]

This is not specifically directed at the newsperson in the video, but a person with a speach imediment, doing public broadcasting, completely takes me off the topic because I focus in on the impediment too much.  Do you remember Tom Brokaw with the Achille Laurel cruise ship thingy.  I just kept hearing his liquid rolling L's and it drove me nuts.   

[G-Man]

Don't you KNOW that laws requiring voters to provide a VALID ID are Racist ?

Yes, I've heard.  But for life of me, I can't figure out why?  

Because the fraudulent votes tend to go their way, and anything that goes against the anointed one and his chosen disciples is racist. Duh! 

Agreed!  I got into that on Facebook last week.  Someone posted something about someone questioning Obama, and my white friend wrote a comment "How come nobody questioned Bush about it, but they question the black guy?"

I asked why the discussion had to become racist from the get-go.  Many replied because those that criticize Obama do it because he's black and then they stated catch phrases like "Take our country back" as proof.  When I replied that many of his criticizers voted for him, I was told it's because FOX news is racist.

Guess I'm racist....just don't tell my wife, the Carribean Queen!      

[Serk]

When all the accusations of tea party types just being racist started I did some self examination...

Would I be just as fired up, just as mad, just as ready to rise up and take our country back if, say, Biden was president and pulling the same stunts as Obama is pulling?

And the answer is a resounding yes, yes I would...

And on the flip side, if racism truly was the core of the issue, people like Allen West and Herman Cain wouldn't have had nearly the support they've had from Tea Party circles.

[G-Man]

And on the flip side, if racism truly was the core of the issue, people like Allen West and Herman Cain wouldn't have had nearly the support they've had from Tea Party circles.

Ahhhhh, but the answer to that one was that the TEA Party only went with those guys to prove they weren't racists, which they are anyway!   

There's no winning, brother. 

He was supposed to bring us together and we're further apart than ever before.  And if he and his supporters have their way, we will move even further apart.  Between race, sex, and class wars, this administration has everything covered.

[Hef]

Where I vote they only look to see if my signature matches their registration file.

[Master Blaster]

The real tragedty of this incompetent booob in not only the degradiation of this wonderful country into socalism, but as the first black potus he had the opportunity to lead the getto folks away from the entitlement mentality to become prideful productive citizens.  Instead I believe he has set back race relations light years.   He would have made a wonderful dictator for some place such as Somilia, or some other third world hellhole.  I believe there are many minorities that are smart and resourceful that could make a great POTUS, this one just doesnt have even the minimum to be mediocure.

[R J]

Don't you KNOW that laws requiring voters to provide a VALID ID are Racist ?

Yes, I've heard.  But for life of me, I can't figure out why?   

3fan4life, if you are required to have an ID, that is Racist, but how else do you suppose Bam Bam can get all the voters from the grave yards?   What they should do is finger print everyone.    But that wouldn't work.   DOJ would put a kibosh on that.   NO ID, get names from graves, sign in, you are a registered voter now, vote, and you are already in the voter list for the upcoming election.

This is one of the biggest hunks of fraud you will find, and Bam Bam is all for it if it will get him re-elected.

[T-Bird]

I got one in the mail just last week. First time this has happened. They have changed the boundaries here in southeast TN. as far as State Representatives and Congressmen are involved. The local election commission took this time to change voting districts to our area to solve overcrowding at some. I never have to show my card when I vote just my DL.

[3fan4life]

how else do you suppose Bam Bam can get all the voters from the grave yards?   

This is one of the biggest hunks of fraud you will find, and Bam Bam is all for it if it will get him re-elected.

Isn't that considered "Normal" politics in Chicago ?

I understand that some of Chicago's mayors have gotten more votes from "DEAD" people than live ones.

[..]

Oh the irony of the hypocritical idiots.

All media must present government-issued photo I.D. (such as a driver’s license) as well as valid media credentials. Members of the media must RSVP to receive press credentials at http://action.naacp.org/page/s/registration. For security purposes, media check-in and equipment set up must be completed by 7:45 a.m. CDT for an 8:00 a.m. CDT security sweep.  i]

[Tropic traveler]

FWIW, we have to show a picture ID in order to vote in Florida. They find your name on the rolls then aks for a pic ID before you get your voter sheet.
I don't see the big deal.
But I'm just a stupid, conservative caucausian man trying to keep the OPP down.   

[..]

Things you need an ID for
 Buy alcohol
 Buy cigarettes
 Apply for welfare
 Apply for food stamps
 Cash a check
 Purchase a firearm
Make any large credit card purchase
 Open a bank account
Rent an apartment
Be admitted to a hospital
Get a marriage license

And many more

I'm trying to figure out how having to produce an ID to vote once every couple of years, is somehow a problem, and some even claim it's "racist".

[old2soon]

Still have the voter cards here in the Show Me.  I myself don't see anything racist or pro this or anti that.  Pretty staight forward process in Missouri.  RIDE SAFE.

[Bob E.]

I don't see the requirement for votor ID as racist.  But the point is that those without the required ID are most likely to be either a minority, poor, college students, or the elderly...groups that tend to vote for Dems by wide margins.  This is why the Reps decided to pass voter ID laws...a PA State Senator actually said they passed Voter ID law to allow Romney to win PA.  That kind of blows the credibility on the whole voter fraud arguement.

Frankly, I've always been surprised ID was never required to vote in the first place.  So I'm kind of on the fence about it.  I've heard lots of anecdotal evidence of fraud, lots of accusations of cheating, etc. But I've seen lots of reports that the actual cases of fraud are next to zero.

[6pak2go]

You know, comrades," says Stalin, "that I think in regard to this: I consider it completely unimportant who in the party will vote, or how; but what is extraordinarily important is this — who will count the votes, and how.

[G-Man]

I don't see the requirement for votor ID as racist.  But the point is that those without the required ID are most likely to be either a minority, poor, college students, or the elderly...groups that tend to vote for Dems by wide margins.  This is why the Reps decided to pass voter ID laws...a PA State Senator actually said they passed Voter ID law to allow Romney to win PA.  That kind of blows the credibility on the whole voter fraud arguement.

Frankly, I've always been surprised ID was never required to vote in the first place.  So I'm kind of on the fence about it.  I've heard lots of anecdotal evidence of fraud, lots of accusations of cheating, etc. But I've seen lots of reports that the actual cases of fraud are next to zero.

College student:  Most have drivers lisences.  They def have a student ID and a SS card.  Did they apply for student/financial aide like EVERY STUDENT IS REQUIRED TO DO WHETHER THEY NEED IT OR NOT?  Probably a birth certificate as well.  IF they ever held a job, even a part-time job in high school, they needed some kind of ID for a working permit.  If they have ever traveled, then they also have a passport.  (I just went through all of this with my kid entering college in the fall)

Elderly:  If they worked for a living, same as above.  If they collect SS, same.  Bank account, same.  On public assistance.....

Minority:  What could be the reason that a black person, compared to a white person, could prevent them from acquiring ID?  The process is identicle regardless of color of skin or ethnicity.  Exactly the same.  And they'll even accomodate you in a dozen or more languages.

The Poor: again, the process is the same for those with and without means.  Are they collecting public assistance??  Then they need ID.  They are advertising food stamps on radio and TV....don't you need some kind of ID to get into the program, or do they just hand them out in the parking lot? 

Aaaaaand, a non-drivers ID card is available from any DMV in every state.


All you have done was to give us the same talking points that was in the video clip.  And you're telling me that the person who doesn't have the means to get a form of identification, that is required to simply function daily in our society, is the same person that is actually going to make the effort to vote once, every however many years?  Really?

[Bob E.]

I don't see the requirement for votor ID as racist.  But the point is that those without the required ID are most likely to be either a minority, poor, college students, or the elderly...groups that tend to vote for Dems by wide margins.  This is why the Reps decided to pass voter ID laws...a PA State Senator actually said they passed Voter ID law to allow Romney to win PA.  That kind of blows the credibility on the whole voter fraud arguement.

Frankly, I've always been surprised ID was never required to vote in the first place.  So I'm kind of on the fence about it.  I've heard lots of anecdotal evidence of fraud, lots of accusations of cheating, etc. But I've seen lots of reports that the actual cases of fraud are next to zero.

College student:  Most have drivers lisences.  They def have a student ID and a SS card.  Did they apply for student/financial aide like EVERY STUDENT IS REQUIRED TO DO WHETHER THEY NEED IT OR NOT?  Probably a birth certificate as well.  IF they ever held a job, even a part-time job in high school, they needed some kind of ID for a working permit.  If they have ever traveled, then they also have a passport.  (I just went through all of this with my kid entering college in the fall)

Elderly:  If they worked for a living, same as above.  If they collect SS, same.  Bank account, same.  On public assistance.....

Minority:  What could be the reason that a black person, compared to a white person, could prevent them from acquiring ID?  The process is identicle regardless of color of skin or ethnicity.  Exactly the same.  And they'll even accomodate you in a dozen or more languages.

The Poor: again, the process is the same for those with and without means.  Are they collecting public assistance??  Then they need ID.  They are advertising food stamps on radio and TV....don't you need some kind of ID to get into the program, or do they just hand them out in the parking lot? 

Aaaaaand, a non-drivers ID card is available from any DMV in every state.


All you have done was to give us the same talking points that was in the video clip.  And you're telling me that the person who doesn't have the means to get a form of identification, that is required to simply function daily in our society, is the same person that is actually going to make the effort to vote once, every however many years?  Really?

College kids are affected because their drivers license (if they have one) typically have their home address on them rather than their temporary school address.  Many students...perhaps even most...attend school some distance away from home where it would be impossible to get home on a Tuesday in the middle of the semester to vote.  So college kids typically register to vote in the town of their university.  However, this is no longer possible because the address on their ID doesn't match their voting location.  Voter ID laws in most of the states specifically omit school issued ID's as valid for voting.

The elderly are affected because, well, many don't drive any more.  And many were born at a time where birth certificates were an after-thought.  SS cards are not valid forms of ID for voting, nor are they typically valid for obtaining voter ID cards.  So, in addition to being difficult and at times very costly to get the proper paperwork to even apply for ID, then they need to travel to a DMV where we all know how those lines can be, and it can be a real burden for them to get the proper ID.

Regarding minorities and poor, I never said it was harder for them to get the ID.  But it is a statistical fact that higher numbers of those groups are without ID's that would be considered valid for voting.  There are a number of reasons for this.  Many are poor and cannot afford to drive.  Higher numbers live in cities where driving isn't necessary.  Many live in households where one member might drive, but others do not.

As for public assistance, bank accounts, etc. the form of ID that is required for those items are not what are typically accepted as valid forms of ID for voting or even applying for a valid form of ID.  I can get a bank account and even apply for a small loan with a few utility bills with my name and address on them.  I can get a credit card with even less.

And it doesn't matter whether they are likely to vote or not.  It is unconstitutional to limit or restrict their ability to do so as confirmed by the Supreme Court.  Poll taxes are unconstitutional as well.  Requiring an ID that costs money, even a small amount, could be construed as a poll tax.  They could issue ID's for free to get around that.  But then taxpayers are footing the bill, which I'm sure you wouldn't like either.

[G-Man]

I don't see the requirement for votor ID as racist.  But the point is that those without the required ID are most likely to be either a minority, poor, college students, or the elderly...groups that tend to vote for Dems by wide margins.  This is why the Reps decided to pass voter ID laws...a PA State Senator actually said they passed Voter ID law to allow Romney to win PA.  That kind of blows the credibility on the whole voter fraud arguement.

Frankly, I've always been surprised ID was never required to vote in the first place.  So I'm kind of on the fence about it.  I've heard lots of anecdotal evidence of fraud, lots of accusations of cheating, etc. But I've seen lots of reports that the actual cases of fraud are next to zero.

College student:  Most have drivers lisences.  They def have a student ID and a SS card.  Did they apply for student/financial aide like EVERY STUDENT IS REQUIRED TO DO WHETHER THEY NEED IT OR NOT?  Probably a birth certificate as well.  IF they ever held a job, even a part-time job in high school, they needed some kind of ID for a working permit.  If they have ever traveled, then they also have a passport.  (I just went through all of this with my kid entering college in the fall)

Elderly:  If they worked for a living, same as above.  If they collect SS, same.  Bank account, same.  On public assistance.....

Minority:  What could be the reason that a black person, compared to a white person, could prevent them from acquiring ID?  The process is identicle regardless of color of skin or ethnicity.  Exactly the same.  And they'll even accomodate you in a dozen or more languages.

The Poor: again, the process is the same for those with and without means.  Are they collecting public assistance??  Then they need ID.  They are advertising food stamps on radio and TV....don't you need some kind of ID to get into the program, or do they just hand them out in the parking lot? 

Aaaaaand, a non-drivers ID card is available from any DMV in every state.


All you have done was to give us the same talking points that was in the video clip.  And you're telling me that the person who doesn't have the means to get a form of identification, that is required to simply function daily in our society, is the same person that is actually going to make the effort to vote once, every however many years?  Really?

College kids are affected because their drivers license (if they have one) typically have their home address on them rather than their temporary school address.  Many students...perhaps even most...attend school some distance away from home where it would be impossible to get home on a Tuesday in the middle of the semester to vote.  So college kids typically register to vote in the town of their university.  However, this is no longer possible because the address on their ID doesn't match their voting location.  Voter ID laws in most of the states specifically omit school issued ID's as valid for voting.

The elderly are affected because, well, many don't drive any more.  And many were born at a time where birth certificates were an after-thought.  SS cards are not valid forms of ID for voting, nor are they typically valid for obtaining voter ID cards.  So, in addition to being difficult and at times very costly to get the proper paperwork to even apply for ID, then they need to travel to a DMV where we all know how those lines can be, and it can be a real burden for them to get the proper ID.

Regarding minorities and poor, I never said it was harder for them to get the ID.  But it is a statistical fact that higher numbers of those groups are without ID's that would be considered valid for voting.  There are a number of reasons for this.  Many are poor and cannot afford to drive.  Higher numbers live in cities where driving isn't necessary.  Many live in households where one member might drive, but others do not.

As for public assistance, bank accounts, etc. the form of ID that is required for those items are not what are typically accepted as valid forms of ID for voting or even applying for a valid form of ID.  I can get a bank account and even apply for a small loan with a few utility bills with my name and address on them.  I can get a credit card with even less.

And it doesn't matter whether they are likely to vote or not.  It is unconstitutional to limit or restrict their ability to do so as confirmed by the Supreme Court.  Poll taxes are unconstitutional as well.  Requiring an ID that costs money, even a small amount, could be construed as a poll tax.  They could issue ID's for free to get around that.  But then taxpayers are footing the bill, which I'm sure you wouldn't like either.

But a non-drivers license at any DMV is available, so you don't have to drive.  If it is too hard to obtain an ID, then it's got to be too hard to vote as well.  This is NOT discrimination.  Discrimination is when one person can and one person can't, not because of difficulty, but because of color, ethnicity, gender, age, etc.  Not because there is leg work involved.  If you show up with proof of residence, a SS card, a birth certificate, a college ID, a work ID, etc, (usually several of the above), you will get a non-drivers ID.  If you actually get dressed, tie your shoes, leave the house, walk or arrange transportation, have a pen, fill out a form, sit and wait (there are no more lines to stand in, it's all take a number), and get back home,...you will have what you need.  This is not a discriminatory process, just one that you actually have participate in.  If you choose not to participate in this, it's not discriminatory.  Nobody has ever been denied identification due to discrimination, in recent history (before someone throws slavery at me).

College kids can register to vote anywhere they reside.  I did when I was in Florida.  I was a NY resident and was an "out-of-state" voter.  When I registered, included in the verbage was something to the effect that by voting in Florida, I waved my right to vote in the same election in NY.

As for not driving......that's not a voting requirment.  You said many live in cities........the city would be the easiest place to vote because everything is more localized.  The local polling place is as near as the closest school or library....all within walking distance for even little children to get to.

I can pick apart everyone of your points because they're too easy. 

Again, actual participation in the process is not discriminatory.  But, making excuses for those who CHOOSE not to participate doesn't help anyone or anything.

[Bob E.]

But a non-drivers license at any DMV is available, so you don't have to drive.  If it is too hard to obtain an ID, then it's got to be too hard to vote as well.  This is NOT discrimination.  Discrimination is when one person can and one person can't, not because of difficulty, but because of color, ethnicity, gender, age, etc.  Not because there is leg work involved.  If you show up with proof of residence, a SS card, a birth certificate, a college ID, a work ID, etc, (usually several of the above), you will get a non-drivers ID.  If you actually get dressed, tie your shoes, leave the house, walk or arrange transportation, have a pen, fill out a form, sit and wait (there are no more lines to stand in, it's all take a number), and get back home,...you will have what you need.  This is not a discriminatory process, just one that you actually have participate in.  If you choose not to participate in this, it's not discriminatory.  Nobody has ever been denied identification due to discrimination, in recent history (before someone throws slavery at me).

College kids can register to vote anywhere they reside.  I did when I was in Florida.  I was a NY resident and was an "out-of-state" voter.  When I registered, included in the verbage was something to the effect that by voting in Florida, I waved my right to vote in the same election in NY.

As for not driving......that's not a voting requirment.  You said many live in cities........the city would be the easiest place to vote because everything is more localized.  The local polling place is as near as the closest school or library....all within walking distance for even little children to get to.

I can pick apart everyone of your points because they're too easy. 

Again, actual participation in the process is not discriminatory.  But, making excuses for those who CHOOSE not to participate doesn't help anyone or anything.

I never said it was discrimination. In my first post, I said I didn't think it was racism.  In fact, I'm not totally against requiring ID to vote.  But I can recognize that there are problems with it for many people.  Furthermore, when we have Republican State Senators in my home state saying in public that Voter ID will allow Mitt Romney to win PA, it calls into question the motive behind the laws. 

Part of the problem is that it just isn't always that easy to get the proper ID.  And in many cases, this is by design.  In alot of cases and for most people, it is or should be relatively easy.  But our right to vote isn't for "most people".  Constitutionally, it is required to be for all people.  For some, it is quite difficult to get the proper ID.  For example, I read a story about an elderly woman in Wisconsin or Minnesota (I forget which) who didn't have a birth certificate.  After going through the process of getting the proper paperwork to get the ID, it would have cost over $200 in fees. That's a problem.

Your example for college kids used to be valid, but no more.  If that kid doesn't have a driver's license (or other acceptable ID) with a local address, he wouldn't be able to vote any more unless he went "home" to vote.

Furthermore, if any of the required ID's have any costs or fees associated with them, it can and will be argued as a poll tax, which has already been ruled unconstitutional.

[Master Blaster]

Every state has absentee ballots.