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Post by sharon on Sept 8, 2012 21:03:50 GMT -6
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Post by ReneeW on Sept 9, 2012 14:12:30 GMT -6
I read this article and was also going to post a link -- I think it has really good, solid information and talks about all of the "normal" people this would negatively affect. And IMO -- we don't have enough people voting in our country as it is, let's not make it any harder!! Fraud is such a nonissue and so rarely happens it's completely insignificant. All this law would do is hurt people, especially people who have fallen on rough times. NOT COOL.
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Post by sharon on Sept 9, 2012 14:24:06 GMT -6
True, plus fake IDs are more common than our almost non-existent voter fraud, so relying on IDs may actually increase fraud.
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Post by bumblebee23 on Sept 10, 2012 11:35:57 GMT -6
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Post by ReneeW on Sept 10, 2012 13:09:13 GMT -6
MO, from what I can tell it's not the cost necessarily but just obtaining one at all. For example, in the Star Tribune article, there's an elderly person who was born down south and doesn't even have a normal legal birth certificate at all because that's how things were just done back in the day (born in 1932). A number of the elderly people in the article had to wait 9 months to get proper identification (they were trying to go on a cruise) so if they'd been trying to have an official ID to vote, they would have been unable to do so. A lot of elderly people let their drivers licenses lapse when they no longer drive (or if they're like my Grandma never had one) so to get their birth certificate or what other proof they need can be extremely difficult. But I'm happy to know that it would be free -- for those who can get their hands on the right documentation.
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Post by bumblebee23 on Sept 10, 2012 13:59:55 GMT -6
I understand it could be difficult for some but is that really an excuse not to pass this bill. I mean life isn't fair and things aren't always easy. Besides they should have certain documentation like a bc or a ss card already and if they don't they need to get one to keep on file in case things like this come up. Just my opinion.
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Post by sharon on Sept 10, 2012 15:14:12 GMT -6
But if they don't then it's not fair to not let them vote. Voting is a right, not a privilege. And the costs are not covered. Some costs may be but as the other articles I've posted show, this is simply out of reach for many.
If people feel that all should have this paperwork, then find a way to make that happen FIRST and then use it for voting, rather than keeping hundreds of thousands of people from voting because of something you think SHOULD happen but doesn't.
I think people SHOULD be able to vote.
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Post by AuntSueto4 on Sept 10, 2012 15:53:31 GMT -6
But if they don't then it's not fair to not let them vote. Voting is a right, not a privilege. And the costs are not covered. Some costs may be but as the other articles I've posted show, this is simply out of reach for many. If people feel that all should have this paperwork, then find a way to make that happen FIRST and then use it for voting, rather than keeping hundreds of thousands of people from voting because of something you think SHOULD happen but doesn't. I think people SHOULD be able to vote. I agree with you on this, Sharon!!!
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Post by dara1012 on Sept 10, 2012 16:33:02 GMT -6
The other big issue is that even though it may be free or reduced cost it is very, very difficult to get to a DMV outside the metro area. I know that for those of us that live in the metro it seems like not a huge deal because there are buses/taxis and hopefully friends or relatives who can drive an elderly person to get their ID. But outside the metro area there are very few license renewal centers/DMVs and to get there for someone who doesn't drive would be nearly impossible.
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Post by bunsy on Sept 10, 2012 16:39:50 GMT -6
Those of us fortunate enough to have lives that allow us the freedom and ability to go get an ID whenever we choose, cannot comprehend how complicated it can be. The recent articles of the difficulties of elderly, handicapped, immigrants, etc. have really opened my eyes.
Voting is a right not a privilege.
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Post by sharon on Sept 17, 2012 21:57:28 GMT -6
Rosh Hashanah Day One today - one of the most packed days of the year at any synagogue, and our rabbi gave a wonderful and moving sermon about the need, from a Torah perspective, to vote No on Voter ID (and also mentioned the importance of voting no on the anti-marriage amendment).
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Post by sharon on Sept 30, 2012 9:34:55 GMT -6
Here's another example from today's Star Tribune Letters to the Editor:
In her recent commentary, Elizabeth Mansfield said that her handicap wouldn't hinder her chance to get a photo ID in order to vote ("Will photo ID rock the vote?" Sept. 24).
In 2009, when my handicapped brother lost his driving privileges, I went to the public license bureau to ask how he could get a photo ID. The response was that he would have to have his photo taken. I was shown the bureau's camera, which required the person to stand. I said that he couldn't stand, and the reply was that the bureau could not help him.
Three years later, my brother is bedridden and unable to use a wheelchair. He has proudly voted every year, but the voter photo ID requirement will make it impossible for him. Sadly, there are many people who share this type of handicap, and they also will be denied a citizen's right to vote.
NINA BUZZELL, BLAINE
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Post by ReneeW on Sept 30, 2012 15:23:53 GMT -6
Keep 'em coming, Sharon.
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Post by dara1012 on Sept 30, 2012 17:08:18 GMT -6
Another thing to consider is that we cannot charge people a fee to vote, so by requiring people to have a state issued ID we are requiring them to pay to vote. Since we can't do that as a state, the state issued ID would have to be free. How much will that cost us in increased taxes or increased cost for our driver's licenses. You can charge for a driver's license, because driving is a privilege, but voting is a right. Let's not take right's away or make them difficult to attain....vote No.
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Post by sharon on Oct 1, 2012 21:33:39 GMT -6
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