Two-Cents about Voter ID Law

My husband and I were recently discussing the voter ID law, and we agreed that, for us, showing an ID in order to vote would be no big deal.  We routinely show our IDs on various occasions such as flying, which my husband does weekly, and enjoying an alcoholic beverage at a restaurant.  We are tied to our IDs in many ways, and so showing an ID to vote would not in any way hinder our ability or inclination to head to the polls.  In fact, I DID show my ID when I voted a couple weeks ago because I didn't have my voter registration card.  It was no problem.

However, there are citizens who have less need for IDs in their lives because they don't drive, consume or buy alcohol, fly in airplanes or choose to participate in other activities requiring a government-issued identification.  That is their choice.  Voting is a RIGHT as an American citizen.  There should be NO deterrent for citizens to exercise their right at the polls.  The only requirements for voting are that one is an American citizen and a registered voter.  Some people, such as the author of the blog, "The Eyes of Texas are Upon You", in the article, "Texas Voter ID Law", worry about illegal immigrants finding a way to vote.  The process of registering to vote is in place in order to validate the citizenship of those who wish to vote, which makes showing an ID at the poll unnecessary.  Now, IF voter fraud was a substantial problem in Texas, then reform would be necessary in order to protect our rights as citizens.  I think that reform could include showing a form of ID in order to REGISTER to vote, but still would be unnecessary to show at the polls.

Furthermore, how would you feel if you lost, or even worse--your ID was stolen, the day you headed to the polls.  By having a voter ID law in place, you would have "lost" your right to vote when you lost your ID.  Maybe it wouldn't take long for pick-pocketers to affect poll outcomes by "stealing" people's right to vote right out of their pockets.

From Reconstruction until the 1960s various tactics were employed in order to deter certain voters from exercising their right to vote - poll taxes, literacy tests, intimidation.  These were all deemed unconstitutional and because of that ruling, we live in a more fair country and our rights are shared more equally among all citizens.  Let's not inhibit citizens who are given the right to vote by requiring that they first pay fees to obtain a government-issued identification card.