Five more states have recently joined the ranks of requiring identification to vote at polling places: Arkansas, Iowa, Missouri, North Dakota, and Texas. Though federal law has always required first-time voters to show a photo ID, states have not always had the same requirement. However, in the past decade, states have increasingly passed legislation requiring some form of identification, whether it be a government issued photo ID, a utility bill, or merely a signed affidavit.

Republicans have pushed for photo ID laws since the party took control of the House and Senate in 2015. They claim that voter fraud is rampant, and with elections being decided by so few votes these days, every vote should be accurate. The concept of slim margin victories is one most people can agree on.

How Many People Are Truly Being Disenfranchised?

Democrats claim that requiring an ID is akin to a poll tax, because it is harder for certain people to obtain an ID. In rural area, some DMVs are only open once a month. ID’s require birth certificates, which are difficult and expensive to procure. The elderly might not have a valid driver’s license anymore, and it may be difficult for some to get to the DMV. Therefore, Democrats feel that voter ID disenfranchises eligible voters.

Just as Tevye in Fiddler On The Roof said, “On the one hand … But on the other hand … But on the other hand …,” both parties put forth a sound, yet inconsequential argument for voter ID. Perhaps the big winners in this are the states, which would make a lot of money issuing more ID cards. But the DMV doesn’t really have excess capacity to service a huge influx of customers, as noted by the bad publicity currently surrounding the California DMV. And, as noted, if someone really wants to evade ID issues, just vote absentee.

Related Resources:

  • Do Voter ID Laws Result in Less Voter Fraud? (FindLaw Law and Daily Life)
  • Texas Voter ID Law Will Be Used Despite Federal Injunction (FindLaw US Fifth Circuit)
  • 7 Important Voting Rights Questions (and Answers) (FindLaw Law and Daily Life)

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