Sorry, No ID, No Ballot

Republican governors and legislatures from around the country are preparing their strategy to win the 2012 elections by disenfranchising voters without any form of government issued identification. In a systematic push, the need for voter ID laws has been raised claiming that voter fraud is running wild and a serious threat to democracy. Even though the Justice Department has found little evidence to support such claims, the Republicans insist. What are they really getting at? Who are they targeting? By requiring voters to present a photo ID at the polling station, they hope that minorities and the poor will be turned away.

It is not uncommon for people of the poorest socio-economic demographics to not have a valid photo ID, whether it is a driver's license or a state ID. A Brennan Center for Justice study issued in 2006 finds that 11% of American's would not be eligible to vote under these new voter ID laws if passed. Of that 11%, minorities and the poor are disproportionately represented. While not exclusively, the primary reason is the financial burden of paying the fee's required to receive an ID. It is not a coincidence that these groups also tend to vote for Democrats. Under the rules of voter ID laws, Republicans are hoping to silence the voice of minorities and the poor. It's a sleazy and backhanded method to gain the edge in an election...not to mention unconstitutional.

Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO) and others recently petitioned the Department of Justice to inquire about the legality of these laws. These Democratic senators are defending the rights of millions of Americans. We cannot allow Republicans to cast a shadow of any form on our right to vote. While addressing voter fraud is a legitimate concern, it is unacceptable to do so in a way that places an extreme burden on those of us who are least capable of carrying it. Those disenfranchised by these laws are otherwise eligible to vote, so let's make sure they stay that way!