Posted by Julie/MI on 10/3/06 9:46pm
Msg #150062

While I'm killing time for my 11:15 appt. tonight....

...I wondered your opinions on a topic that came up in my county's Sunday newspaper.

My local county clerk is running for Secretary of State in Michigan. Now I'm not going liberal/conservative on this, but her platform is that no one should have to give identification to vote. That poor people will not vote if they have to get ID. There is more to her platform which is not relevant here.

But my logic is that the Secretary of State in Michigan, covers many duties including notary stuff, election, drivers' licenses et al.

If my state's notarial laws clearly state that I need non-expired state or federal photo identification, why is it so hard for a poor person to get ID to vote? They HAVE to have valid id to open a bank account to deposit their social security checks, or welfare checks and if they need something notarized, they need to have ID.

I have worked many elections as a precinct worker and since no one has to show ID, I could go in and pretend to be my sisters or sister in law as they are registered and never vote. I could get 3 votes for my candidate (of course I wouldn't, but I could)
Now, no one more than me detests government regulation, but I think we live in a different world and ID SHOULD be required to vote. In Detroit, the old clerk had dead people on the absentee ballots and they were returned and filled in by someone!!!

If the SOS says you need valid ID for certain things, I think it should be required for voting as well.

Any comments?

Reply by DD/OR on 10/3/06 9:52pm
Msg #150064

I agree with you completely.

Reply by Blueink_CA on 10/3/06 10:01pm
Msg #150065

Julie, you are right on. It's all a part of protecting our country, for our children, and their children. There is no reason anyone living in this country should not have valid ID.

Reply by JM_NY on 10/3/06 10:44pm
Msg #150067

There is the working poor that are not on welfare.

When I opened my bank account many years ago I didn't need picture ID. When I d vote I do need to sign in with my signature that I used when I register originally. Also In NY for DMV picture ID it costs about $25.00. For a retired person living on a small pension and SS it is a lot of money. Better spent on prescription drugs or food. If you need one the gov't should foot the bill and transportation to get it.

Reply by Larry/Ca on 10/3/06 10:50pm
Msg #150068

There are probably

many very good reasons why a person does not have a valid id, not the least of which would be that a hurricane blew it away. perhaph registered voters ought to be sent a voter id to show when voting. or, perhaps in this day of electronic and computer magic a thumbprint when registering to vote could be validated when voting. the onus of responsibility should rest upon a system by which we insure that EVERYONE has easy access to the ballot, not just those with proper paperwork.

my opinion, Larry

Reply by TitleGalCA on 10/3/06 10:53pm
Msg #150069

It's interesting that once a person is running for office...

All of their scruples and basis for the office (in the first place) go right out the window.

I agree with you entirely. Here is an individual that has a background as the County Clerk who's job is to serve the people with guidelines and rules, and that includes positive identification.

All those guidelines go out the window when it comes to personal power.

IMO there seems to be a gathering of extremely liberal thinking when it comes to identification. ID means you are a citizen of the United States (in most cases). When it's time to elect someone, any ole vote does count, doesn't it? Legal or not. It's a shame. But - all the undocumented and illegal aliens in this country are really glad about the political correctness of it all.

Reply by PAW on 10/3/06 11:29pm
Msg #150074

All voters in Florida are required to provide ID containing photo and signature at the time of voting in the polling place. Without proper identification, a voter can only vote a provisional ballot.

Reply by David Kral on 10/4/06 2:37am
Msg #150084

How Orwellian of you!

Forced registration with the state so big brother can track you!

Is a homeless person not allowed to vote to change the system? You propose to deny him/her their right to vote?

Reply by BrendaTx on 10/4/06 6:52am
Msg #150095

In Tx, we have to be registered to vote, and we have to have picture ID at the polls.

Your name is listed in a book, you sign by it to show you have voted.

Reply by BobRogers_FL on 10/4/06 8:08am
Msg #150105

Julie...I certainly agree with you. ID should be required. In Florida ID is required, but just recently they removed the requirement to sign the voters registration card. In the past I was able to accept voters registration cards as secondary Id's, but without a signature I can't even do that. The rationale is that the signature is "on file". Anyone can get a state issued ID card in Florida and I believe in most other states as well. It should not be any more difficult for poor people than anyone else. I don't think I could vote for that person.

Reply by Mia on 10/4/06 8:39am
Msg #150113

Julie, check this out...

Check these sites out - michigan.gov/vote and http://www.michigan.gov/sos

It states on the SOS site regarding voting: "you may also be subject to a New Identification
Requirement provided under Federal Law (explained on the mail in registration
form)"

Also check, The Real ID Act.

Reply by Dorothy_MI on 10/4/06 9:17am
Msg #150120

Mia, please email me

I have some questions for you off the board. Thanks