Civil rights groups join effort to block Texas’ voter ID law

 

 

11.  Tim Eaton- Austin American Statesman (Sept. 17^th, 2013)

22.  Category of problem: Politics/Voting

    3. Level of problem: State level

44. The article concerns: With the passing of the voter identification law, Texans must show Identification prior to voting. This law requires all citizens who plan on voting to have a current and valid ID card. Obtaining an ID card prior to voting sessions may be a problem for some citizens.

55. How does it affect individuals/families? Texans must be up to date with an ID card prior to voting. The law may affect individuals who have limited time/money to obtain a current ID card. Also, the voter must obtain the ID card in enough time to receive it prior to Election Day.

66.               I support voter identification law. If you are not a citizen, you can’t vote. And, every citizen should have an ID card. If a citizen does not have an ID card, then it is time for them to get one. And, the article clearly states that free ID cards are available for every citizen. I think the state needs to have a longer implementation period, so that voters can make arrangements to obtain an ID card. For example, I recently changed my last name due to marriage. It is an incredible hassle to change my driver’s license, social security card, bank records, medical records, and so on. Therefore, the extra step to change my voter registration takes time. Also, a longer implementation time allows citizens who do not have ready transportation or time to get an ID card prior to the next election. Elderly citizens, citizens without a car and full-time week-day workers will have to make arrangements to get a new ID card made.

The voter ID law’s purpose is preventing voter fraud. I don’t know that voter fraud causes a large problem to our voting system. However, I believe in rules and regulations. And, no one should be voting for another citizen. The law may discourage voting. Unfortunately, many citizens do not vote already. And, this law may be an excuse for citizens to not vote. The law adds another step for voters to get to the ballet.

Overall, I support the voter ID law. I don’t believe the law prevents any citizen, who wants to vote, from voting. The law does however require that citizens get an ID card. I believe the disagreements on the law stem from the ability to get an ID card, not proving who you are. Perhaps the government should assist citizens in getting an ID card for the next 12 months, then enforce the law to its fullest.