Does your state require a photo ID to vote? Don't vote!

[dsheinem]

Well what the hell why did I need a background check? I bought it at a gunshow. Maybe I looked shifty

Show policy, probably - but not state or federal law.

[CRTGAMER]

All those poor people that can't afford an ID must be getting their welfare checks somehow. Lot of work to sign up for the free money and no time to get an ID card?

My state does not require an ID, only stating your name and stating yes when asked your home address.

Oh and speaking of Voter Fraud GET RID OF THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE!

[dsheinem]

All those poor people that can't afford an ID must be getting their welfare checks somehow.

I'm getting really sick of the poverty shaming in this thread. Stop being assholes, people.

You can apply for welfare with a combination of forms of ID that are free to obtain (e.g. a library card, SS card, etc.). (http://www.nlsa.us/resources/benefits/p ... _tips.html)

[mjmjr25]

It doesn't require it by federal law - who's arguing that? I acknowledged there are work arounds with other (multiple forms) of paperwork. What is federal law and what is practice or independent policy do not align.

Go open a bank account without and ID. Go open one with an ID. Tell me which is faster; tell me if the banks follow federal law. There are plenty of state and federal laws on the books which are not enforced. Some things are made law and never repealed though they should be. It isn't a federal law to require an ID to do certain things because...why would it be. We don't create laws to say what you don't need. I don't need to wear a shirt at the bank either. Y'know what, they aren't going to let me in though. But but but...there is no LAW! C'mon Dave - what are you arguing here. You know better than anyone on this board that because something hasn't become a law doesn't mean it is or isn't allowed in the real world if you want to do certain things.

Did you read what I wrote?

The rest is shine thrown on a non-starter by people who want to express their deep intellect and how thoughtful they've truly been about such a divisive issue

[CRTGAMER]

I will also go to a different polling station in Alabama and claim to be you. Only I have an old spare Alabama ID to show. Once inside, I will make you vote for Ralph Nader.

[Forlorn Drifter]

A library card can get you wellfare?

It doesn't matter what I think on this matter, since the court struck down Voter ID laws in Texas. I just really don't see how someone survives without an ID, I don't know how often I have to show my ID, let alone when the cops decide I look shifty. Which is a lot where I live now.

[dsheinem]

C'mon Dave - what are you arguing here. You know better than anyone on this board that because something hasn't become a law doesn't mean it is or isn't allowed in the real world if you want to do certain things.

Voting is a state-regulated activity and as such does have very formal regulations that MUST ensure fairness and equal access in order to be considered just. That's why we're debating law, not "majority preference" or "common sense" or some such. Bank policy or gun show policy is about limiting liability and/or increasing business. These concerns should not be the concerns of the polling place. Voting ID laws are a new form of the old, outlawed poll taxes. Surely you don't think that someone must meet income requirements to be able to vote?

[mjmjr25]

I didn't realize we were actually getting into a debate about actual law...I thought we were dissecting the silliness of the OP.

I did not read Judge Posners report. I won't read his blogs or any of his rulings. While he's certainly bright (many are), he is a defeatist and at times in my opinion, a very dangerous person and I think the post below...

Judge Posner is a brilliant, conservative jurist, and even he recognizes the perniciousness of Wisconsin's law.

...is the first time he's been called conservative in 20 years.

[ninjainspandex]

DSH I'm going to say it again, Wisconsin was providing Free government IDs to anyone who needed one. How is this disenfranchise the poor? Are you saying that they are so lazy that they can't even be bothered to get off their butt and get their FREE ID? Because this is what I am gathering.

[MrPopo]

I think there's really two arguments here:

1. Whether or not everyone should have an ID (no opt out)
2. Assuming the way the country works today, whether or not you should need an ID to vote