League (of Women Voters) Denounces Passage of Voter ID Legislation

[TexasLawyer]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact:
September 21, 2006 Maggie Duncan
202-263-1332
[e-mail]

League Denounces Passage of Voter ID Legislation
H.R. 4844 is a Means to Discriminate Against Voters

Washington, D.C. – National League President Mary G. Wilson today strongly denounced yesterday’s House passage of the so-called “Federal Election Integrity Act” (H.R. 4844). The legislation requires eligible citizens to present government-issued, current and valid photo identification at the polling place in 2008 and proof of citizenship by 2010.

“This is a truly sad day for our nation. The House of Representatives voted in favor of legislation that masquerades as protection against voter identity fraud. In reality, this bill is a means to discriminate against legal, eligible voters,” said Wilson.

“Any proposal that restricts voter registration or raises barriers to voting is a fear-based approach instead of a fact-based solution,” Wilson stated.

“Some would have you believe that this legislation cures voter identity fraud,” continued Wilson. “But there remains a lack of evidence of instances in which voters misrepresent their identity at the polls.”

“It sounds good to stand on the floor of Congress and demand equality and fairness in elections, but when one takes a closer look behind the political smokescreen, it is clear that this bill’s restrictions will disproportionately impact those who are least likely to have a current photo ID: the elderly, young people, people of color, rural voters and others,” said Wilson.

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http://www.lwv.org/AM/Template.cfm?Template=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=6500

[TexasLawyer]

1. I think this is pretty big news

LWV is a very well-respected, non-partisan organization.

The words "denounces" and "strongly denounced" are the League's own-- this is a press release.

[lumpy]

17. Reliable organization. League recommendations

of political candidates/issues are useful in deciding your vote. Voters pamphlets usually show League recommendations. Valuable input.

[Joanne98]

2. They need to fire Kay Maxwell!

[lumpy]

18. Who is Kat Maxwell?

curious

[hughee99]

3. Why are "rural voters" less likely to have a current photo ID?

If you live in a rural area, wouldn't you be more likely to need a car (and driver's license) to get anywhere than if you lived in the city and could use public transportation?

Just wondering.

[HockeyMom]

7. I didn't have one until I was 30 years old

I was born and raised in Manhattan. I got my driver's license when I moved to Queens, married, and had kids. Very few people who live in Manhattan own a car and drive. You get around using mass transit.

Yes, you are correct this does target City Dwellers; the majority of whom are DEMOCRATS.

[Captain Hilts]

10. How did you open a bank account? Cash a check?

pick up prescriptions. How do you prove you are you?

[kineneb]

13. up until recently

photo ID was not really needed out in the country. I am sure that there are plenty of older folks in my rural county that do not have a current photo ID. They know the grocer, the postal people and the pharmacy folks personally, and probably watched them grow up. It is possible to get by without lots of ID here, especially if you use cash.

[hughee99]

15. I grew up in a rural area,

and while I agree with you that you didn't always have to show your ID, because you knew the people at the bank, grocer, bar, etc... you had to drive anywhere you wanted to go, because nothing was that close to each other. Since states give photo ID driver's licenses, everyone had one, although they rarely needed to use it for ID.

[lumpy]

19. True. I have kept my defunct drivers license

to be used for ID which has worked for me, since I no longer drive. I'm sure some older people/non drivers might have difficulty showing picture ID. Afraid this cleverly designed requirement will eliminate a lot of votes.

[HockeyMom]

16. social security card, employment ID card,

birth certificate, or credit cards. I survived just fine until 1985 when I got my driver's license.

[AnneD]

4. Boy...

when the LWV calls it. You better believe it. They ran the better presidential debates by the way. The ones we have now are shams.

[Captain Hilts]

5. I was a Leaguer for years and I disagree. nt

[shochet]

6. many senior citizens don't have drivers licenses

Because happily for you and me they give them up when they no longer can drive.

Lots of them are democrats.

[Captain Hilts]

9. But the DMV issues i.d. cards. Even an expired photo i.d. will work...

in most circumstances.

Statistically, the women are Democrats and the men Republicans.

[TexasLawyer]

11. It's the proof of citizenship requirement

that is the truly objectionable part. This is a cumbersome and expensive hoop to jump through, and as objectionable as a poll tax.

And if you vote while a non-citizen you face a big penalty if and when caught. Non-citizens are unlikely to vote and risk being identified and deported.

Sheesh, we can't even get our own citizens to vote.

[kineneb]

14. difficulty of getting to DMV

can be a problem, especially for the disabled and seniors. I had to drag Hubby out to get a new ID card. My bank will not accept his expired drivers' license to put him on the account.

[jazzjunkysue]

8. THanks. I just joined the LWV. I also joined ACLU.

I'm determined to have my voice counted somewhere. God knows it won't be at the polls.

[Vidar]

12. Bravo Ladies!

[Charlie Brown]

20. This will not stand in court

poll taxes are unconstitutional, and requiring "government" IDs places a ridiculously undue burden on potential voters to exercise their rights, particularly on certain classes of society.

Good for the LWV.

[xxqqqzme]

21. which 'court' are you thinking

about? I have no faith, anymore, in the judicial system unholding the constitution.