Photo IDs at the Poll? OH NO!

Is it just me, or is the photo voter identification hype getting more and more attention each and every day as we approach the 2012 elections? The GOP claims voter fraud is prevalent and it is a necessary measure while the Dems claim it is a scheme and a conspiracy to suppress the democratic minority vote.

First let me note, I really don’t care who is right or wrong. While voter fraud, I think, is a definite issue, there are WAY BIGGER FISH TO FRY in America’s vast expanding list of issues. But because earlier today, a co-worker literally got me heated with his backwards and almost racist thought process to the matter, I wanted to dedicate this entry on my opinion, which is virtually never wrong  :P

Who is right? And how do we approach and appropriate the matter in a just manner? I’ll say it, but for some this may make them shudder so be prepared … we need to work past partisan politics and compromise. I know. Bold statement and an even bolder hope that the “Do Nothing Congress of 2011” can achieve said compromise.  

Wisconsin last year passed legislation requiring a state or federally issued photo identification at the polls.  Wisconsin joins the multiple states that have enacted such an act. Immediately the ACLU and the NAACP filed lawsuits against the legislation. And – wait for it – they are not necessarily in the wrong for filing. I like to think of myself as a constitutionalist, and I thought the Republican Party enjoyed flaunting one of our tenets as the faithful watchdogs over our prized Constitution? We are quick to rise in the defense of our second amendment right to bear arms. We criticize the Executive when we think he has strayed beyond the bounds of presidential powers outlined in Article II.  So why are we ignoring the fact that requiring a personally purchased photo identification is a clear violation of the 24th amendment?  To obtain an official identification from the state or federal government, some sort of monetary cost is incurred but in turn you need this ID to vote. Ergo, poll tax. Violation of an amendment. An amendment attached to the United States C-O-N-S-T-I-T-U-T-I-O-N. Could this legislation in Wisconsin, and the attempts at the federal level have ulterior motives? Possibly. First, statistically ten percent of Americans do not have a valid form of photo identification. While, yes, the majority are minority democrats, there is also a large percentage of  that in the form of the elderly, Republican, demographic.

So stop calling foul play, the Democratic Party. Right here in our great state of Maryland you’ve done your own form of ACTUAL voter suppression. Hey, have you been guilty of gerrymandering lately in Maryland? No? You will be soon, don’t worry.

The only solution I can see to this is simple, but not really. Federally issued voter registration photo IDs. Solved. The only dilemma now? How do we pay for it? That’s an entirely different question and solution.  

Please don't hestitate to refute at Rob.SNickey@gmail.com. If you have questions or comments send them to rob@strategicvictoryconsulting.com 

Rob Nickey

SVC '12