Comments on: Show Me state says Show Me some ID

By: Big Dog

Big Dog — Tue, 13 May 2008 21:14:41 +0000

Sarah,
The Passport website describes how to handle situations where a birth certificate cannot be obtained.

Given the number of elderly that fly to and from Florida, I find it hard to believe that getting an ID is that difficult.

I would concede though, that if you have been voting here for decades maybe you should be grandfathered as far as the citizenship rules. Still, a photo ID is needed and not hard to obtain.

By: Sarah

Sarah — Tue, 13 May 2008 20:11:03 +0000

Actually, it can be difficult to obtain ID, especially for the elderly. You don’t need ID to cash a check at the bank you’ve been using for many years and until the state’s records catch up to their requirements, a bank statement or other proof of residence needs to be sufficient. It can be very hard, if not impossible to get a copy of your birth certificate if you are an older American. That doesn’t mean you are suddenly not enough of a citizen to vote.

By: The Elector of Saxony

The Elector of Saxony — Tue, 13 May 2008 04:25:27 +0000

“This would stop people that do have the right to vote from voting, that doesn’t sound like a good thing for democracy to me.”

It does nothing to interfere with the right of anyone to vote. There is no legal impediment to obtaining identification. The IRS requires two forms of ID to be presented on a government form in order to hire an individual for a job. Does that take away my right to work?? As far as a healthy democracy is concerned, I find it far more troubling that every vote cast by a non-citizen, or person otherwise disqualified, cancels out the vote of a qualified citizen.

By: Big Dog

Big Dog — Tue, 13 May 2008 01:34:37 +0000

And it is probably a good idea to have a certified copy of your BC anyway…

By: Splendiferous

Splendiferous — Mon, 12 May 2008 23:11:41 +0000

Living in the State of Missouri, the last time I renewed my driver’s license, the State required me to prove I was a US citizen. To do so, I had to obtain a certified copy of my birth certificate from the State of California. After signing and having an affidavit notarized, I sent it to the State of California and about 6 weeks later, the certified birth certificate was in my hands. It did cost me $30 to obtain the document and I had to plan ahead to make sure I did not have my driver’s license expire but it was not that difficult.

By: Big Dog

Big Dog — Mon, 12 May 2008 21:22:18 +0000

It is easy to get an ID. We must use an ID to fly. Are you suggesting we let people fly without one? You need an ID to cash a check, once again I ask the same question.

The same people who say they cannot get an ID get one for government assistance and they do not cry about needing one to cash a welfare or SS check.

You have a right to vote and the state has a duty to ensure that the right is not being abused.

BTW, the Constitution says we have a right to keep and bear arms but that does not mean states cannot require us to prove we are old enough to purchase one.

Voting is reserved for citizens and it is up to the state to ensure only citizens vote, pretty simple.

I would like to know of one case where someone could not get an ID. Perhaps some homeless guy who has a mental disorder but he won’t vote anyway. I just have never heard of anyone having a problem getting an ID. You need one to get a job

And therein lies one of the problems.

By: Charles Lumia

Charles Lumia — Mon, 12 May 2008 21:13:57 +0000

Not all citizens have an ID, those that do not have an ID should be allowed to vote. This would stop people that do have the right to vote from voting, that doesn’t sound like a good thing for democracy to me.

It’s also fairly difficult to get an ID if you’re over 21 years of age. I have personally been through several ID issues and it really isn’t fun.

That isn’t to say that it’s a bad idea in general; but certainly the laws to get an ID as an actual citizen over the age of 21 need to be changed before voting requires one.

Taking away a persons right, a person that has legal right to vote, it not and will never be right. And that will undoubtedly happen if ID’s are required at the voting booth.

By: David M

David M — Mon, 12 May 2008 16:48:26 +0000

The Thunder Run has linked to this post in the - Web Reconnaissance for 05/12/2008 A short recon of what’s out there that might draw your attention, updated throughout the day...so check back often.