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Subscribe to RSSFrom a continuing series of articles, Who Can Vote?, a News21 investigation of voting rights in America. Read the full series.
By Alissa Skelton, Emily Nohr and Alia Conley
News21
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Discuss this series of stories on the Facebook page for Open Channel, the NBC News investigative blog. |
Shrinking budgets are forcing state and local election officials to look for ways to save money, including ways that could have an impact on the November election.
Closing polling places is one of several cost-cutting plans that pit officials against voting-rights advocates who say the budget cuts put minority voters and rural residents at a disadvantage because of fewer urban polling places and more distant rural ones.
State and local officials also are drawing criticism from civil rights groups who oppose the photo ID laws adopted or under consideration in 37 states. Many states cannot afford the cost of providing free photo IDs or providing free documents – birth certificates and marriage licenses, for example – to obtain photo IDs.
The Douglas County, Neb., Election Commissioner Dave Phipps closed 166 of 353 polling precincts just weeks before the May 5 primary. He said it would save $115,000. Although state law allows Phipps to make that decision, the Nebraska Secretary of State, a Republican, expressed concern about it.
The state preferred closing no more than 20 percent of precincts rather than 47 percent, said Neal Erickson, Nebraska’s Deputy Secretary of State.
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Who can vote? A national News21 investigation of voting rights in America. |
Voting rights groups say Phipps, a Republican, closed precincts used by minority voters, who tend to vote for Democrats.
“It would save money, but the details are that it disproportionately closed polling places in the two strongest Obama voter areas. What a coincidence,” said Preston Love Jr., a North Omaha community activist involved with the nonprofit North Omaha Voters Call to Action Coalition.
“The ultimate result is that some percentage of our voters did not vote, but tried to,” Love said.
Precincts close in Detroit
In Michigan, Detroit Election Director Daniel Baxter said he worries there won’t be enough money to effectively administer the presidential election in November.
“Bigger election, bigger turnout, we need more resources in place,” he said. “More poll workers to make sure voters are being processed in a timely manner. The problem comes in when you cut too much and you cannot manage the things people take for granted.”
Detroit spent $11.2 million for the 2008 presidential election to account for the dramatic increase in turnout from 15 percent for the primary to 55 percent for the general election. This year, the department requested $8.5 million, the mayor slashed it to $5 million, then approved $7.3 million. Baxter said they still need $900,000 more.
Detroit eliminated 40 precincts, and about 90 more are scheduled to close in the next four years.
“There should be protection in the democratic process,” Baxter said. “The bottom line is if you don’t pay for good elections on the front end, then you’ll pay for bad elections on the back end. If you can’t afford to pay for your poll workers to be paid for Election Day, then you’re going to have problems on Election Day.”
Out of ballots in Alaska
In Anchorage, Alaska, 53.7 percent of precincts ran out of ballots during the April mayoral election, Daniel Hensley, a former judge who was hired to investigate the ballot shortage, wrote in his report.
Of the 71,099 who turned out, at least 300 were directed to another precinct to vote. Others had to wait for more ballots, and an unknown number were discouraged from voting and went home, according to Hensley and the American Civil Liberties Union.
“Early reports to a phone line that we have set up to field concerns regarding the election indicate that confusion, irregularities in distribution of ballots, use of ad hoc ballot substitutes (such as photocopies of sample ballots), redirection of voters to one precinct after another, long lines and waits, and complete denial of the right to vote occurred in many instances,” Jeffrey Mittman, executive director of ACLU of Alaska wrote to the city.
The municipal clerk’s office by law must print ballots for 70 percent of registered voters in Anchorage, but did not. Jacqueline Duke, the deputy city clerk who is responsible for elections, didn’t prepare enough ballots because she expected a low turnout, based on previous elections, Hensley concluded after investigating the incident.
In writing to the city, Mittman said, “disenfranchisement of voters for no better reason than the simple unavailability of ballots is wholly unacceptable.”
In 2010, Anchorage reduced its election budget and cut an election coordinator/deputy municipal clerk position.
The impact of budget cuts on elections is hard to measure because few counties keep track of election costs, said Ernest Hawkins, board chairman of the Election Center, a non-profit made up of government employees working to improve the election process, democracy and voting.
“Local governments are trying to cut, trim and squeeze,” Hawkins said. “Each jurisdiction is justifying their expenditures, including election costs.”
Costs of new IDs
Many states with new voter ID laws are picking up the cost of issuing photo IDs for voters who cannot afford, but will need, ID to vote. Estimated state costs for providing photo IDs and related documents range from less than $1,000 into the millions.
Through June 11, the Kansas Department of Revenue issued 44 photo IDs that cost the state $22 each. In the same time, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment issued 40 birth certificates at a cost to the state of $15 each.
Virginia lawmakers have proposed free IDs, but that measure will cost $7.91 million to $22.59 million, according to the Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis, a Richmond, Va.-based independent nonprofit that researches economic issues, with particular attention to the impact on low- and moderate-income persons.
Handing out free voter IDs in Wisconsin would cost the state an estimated $6 million the first year, and about $4 million every year after, according to the Department of Motor Vehicles.
In separate rulings, two judges have so far blocked implementation of Wisconsin’s voter ID law, saying it creates a “substantial impairment” to the right to vote and that violates the state constitution.
Some states might accommodate voters who cannot afford the documents or photo that newly adopted laws will require for voting. But the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University School of Law, a public policy group that opposed many of the voting law changes nationally, reported that voters in many states will have to pay $8 to $25 for birth certificates and up to $20 for marriage licenses.
Running elections at 'bare minimum'
Beyond the costs to residents, advocates for fair elections said the reduced election staffs will affect voting.
An Alabama county made history last November when it filed the largest municipal bankruptcy in the country. Hundreds of Jefferson County employees lost their jobs to offset the county’s $4.23 billion debt. Nearly 50 elections jobs were slashed, causing officials to double up on responsibilities. Workers who monitored six to eight urban precincts, will have to manage 12 to 15 precincts.
The county is running elections at the “bare minimum,” said Barry Stephenson, chairman of the Jefferson County, Ala., Board of Registrars, but “the voters won’t be affected by everything that is going on behind the scenes.”
The county reassigned workers to administer its March primary election. Road repair crews got a day off from filling potholes to deliver election machines and assist poll workers. Typically, the county has 100 employees working the polls for a local primary election. In March, the county had half that number. Poll workers from other county jobs ran the election.
Reduced staff aside, Stephenson said the primary, in which 50 percent of voters turned out, went smoothly.
Vote centers have been changing the way elections are run since the early 2000s. These “super precincts” consolidate polling places and allow voting within a precinct boundary instead of restricting voters to a polling location. South Dakota is using vote centers.
“People who live on the east side of town, but work downtown could vote anywhere as long as they were traveling across the jurisdiction,” said Jason Gant, South Dakota secretary of state. The June primary was the third election for vote centers in South Dakota.
“When you go from 57 polling locations down to 10, you’re saving dozens and dozens of poll workers you don’t have to hire,” Gant said.
For the 2008 primary, McHenry County, N.D., switched to mail voting, and the only polling place was the courthouse in Towner, N.D. Auditor Darlene Carpenter said the switch hasn’t cut overall election costs because postal expenses have increased by nearly $1,500.
“Because of the rising postage costs, it’s not saving us any money, probably costing us a little more,” she said. “But the workload in the auditor’s office has decreased tenfold.”
From the 2006 election to 2010, the election cost increased $400, and almost 100 more people voted, which Carpenter said is always the overarching goal.
“I don’t think our increase in costs have been that substantial,” she said. “What we’re looking at, too, is trying to increase voter turnout. That’s the big intent.”
Discuss this series of stories on the Facebook page for Open Channel, the NBC News investigative blog.
News21 is a program of the Carnegie Corporation of New York and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation that is helping to change the way journalism is taught in the U.S. and train a new generation of journalists capable of reshaping the news industry. It is headquartered at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University. Since 2006, nearly 500 top journalism students in the U.S. have participated in the landmark national initiative.
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If you cannot get an ID, why would we even consider allowing you to vote? What the Dems are saying, "we want to go get busloads of people to vote exactly as we tell them" and we don't want anyone to question whether they are legal or not!!!
Put ICE/Immigration services people as voting booth officials and any chance of any potential illegal voting will stop.
Being unable to get a photo ID has many different reasons and should never disqualify anyone from exercising their constitutional right to vote and anyone supporting disenfranchisement is supporting 100% anti-American sentiments. In-person voter fraud occurs approximately 0.0000023% of the time, whereas election official fraud (primarily Conservatives) occurs approximately 0.0003% of the time, neither one would wholly effect the outcome of a national election, state election or large urban city election. The only elections to be effected would be the small town setting where everyone knows everyone and the fraud would be stopped before it began. Disenfranchisement on the other hand would effect major elections, in Colorado for example it was found that of the people found on the Republican-controlled voter purge rolls that 88% were Democratic voters and that every single one of them, appx 34,000, was found to be alive, a citizen and fully eligible to vote.
@Keith - How completely moronic. EVERYONE can get a state ID. Voter fraud is rampant. Most university and college students who live at their school vote in two places and they are encouraged to do so by the volunteer registrars who hang out at the entrances to places like Wal-Mart. Volunteers go to agriculture and day-labor sites to round up illegals to register them to vote. It's unbelieveable. I've seen this and personally tested it. Whenever I get button-holed at Wal-Mart, I make up some disqualification excuse such as being Canadian, having a felony conviction from 20 years ago, having a residence in New Jersey and living where I am only for a couple of months in the winter. I have never once been told I shouldn't register to vote and have been strongly encouraged most of the time just so I can have a voice to keep the "BAD" party out of office. Voting fraud is an epidemic and fueled by the intensely adversarial party politics ripping this country apart.
No.. what is being said is...if you change the law for no reason, then the costs of the change are chargeable to the entity requiring the change. the maority of the people being targeted by the change did nothing to warrant these additional expenses. If someone lost their original voters card, drivers license, military ID - items which were required in past elections ... then I might see where the cost would be born by the voter.
But thats notwhat is happening - the states are imposing a New burden, something which was never called for in the past.
Besides - we have constitutional laws which ban the imposition of a National ID card for American citizens... that is one reason there has been so much litigation about businesses, state and local agencies using your Social Security number as identification. Ask your grand parents, they made sure that we as a Nation would not be forced to "show your papers".
As a snot nosed kid, I refused to carry any ID... on principle. That made it legal me to give them any information they requested, but not force me to provide any documents or produce "My papers"?
Now, in California the state offers a state identification card, but they can not require that you must have it. They can be pretty anal about your not producing a picture ID, but they can not force you to pay for it.
In every totalitarian nation - the firt thing they do is issue IDs to everyone, then make it a crime to be without it - that means, if they chose to punish you... all they have to do is remove, cancle your ID - you immediately become a non-person. the card is your citizenship.
Once again - You Conservatives are bring in a permenent soluition what is a non-problem. I don't get it? You whine and moan about registering your guns ... yet you are allowing the beginings of a more potent evil - National ID's. Do you really think this will stop at voting ID?
5 or 10 years from today, it'll be your children, children of Teabaggers - marching in the streets - trying to put the blame for what you idiots are starting today; trying to place the blame on Democrates.
I've lived in several EU countries, Asian countries - that have these nationalID cards.If youarecaughtwalking accross the street, for your house to the local grocery store - and donot have your D with you... count on being taken to the Police station for detention, until someone brings your ID for them to view.
jim-4120631, you couldn't be more wrong. Population totals show that only about 64% to 68% of all citizens are registered voters. Of that 64%/68% only 55% to 56% actually vote in major elections like when the presidency is voted on. Much less during off year elections. So with that pitiful turnout actually only 38% of all citizens actually vote. You think that voting twice is rampant? Especially in colleges? Most students in college I know and knew couldn't get out of bed and stand in a long line for anything except for free beer and cell phones. Stats also show that the two largest reasons for not voting are too busy and don't care.
Jim, my first reaction to those fighting the voter id laws was the same as yours. But we have had several people in my area (rural central PA who have not been able to get a free voter id. Older people in particular often don't have birth certificates, and it can be difficult for older rural folks to get to a place which provides that id (not every license office in PA can issue them). In fact, the MAYOR of a small town near where I live has not been able to get one!
if and thats a big if we had a supreme court in this country we would not have these problems
Putting the Immigration people in charge of the Polling booths is a good idea. God knows under the current administration they aren't doing anything else of value.
Jim
PROVE IT!!!!! I mean it, you think you're so smart, prove it that fraud is rampant. So far it's only been rampant in Republican primaries. Seems you conservatives can't play by the rules.
Voting Fraud Suspected in NH Republican Primary:
http://www.dailypaul.com/206459/voting-fraud-suspected-in-nh-republican-primary
Voter Fraud in Maine GOP Primary
http://www.thepoliticalguide.com/News/Voter_Fraud_in_Maine_GOP_Primary/
Voting Fraud Suspected in NH Republican Primary
http://chasvoice.blogspot.com/2012/01/voting-fraud-suspected-in-nh-republican.html
I could go on but I think I made my point.
Mitt Romney voter fraud:
Come on Mittens, let's see those tax returns.
http://cannonfire.blogspot.com/2012/08/did-mitt-romney-commit-voter-fraud.html
I AM SICK AND TIRED OF YOU DRAFT DODGING PUSSY GIRLIE BOYS TELL ME ABOUT NEEDING PHOTO ID.
I find it alarming that the state of KS wasted so much time and my tax dollars making it harder to vote but when I checked under the freedom of information act, I can't find a single case where KS prosecuted anyone for voter fraud. Why is that?
We have WWII and Korean War veterans in our two Kansas VA hospitals, one named after Bob Dole a disabled WWII veteran. There are quite a few in Coffeyville, Parsons and surrounding area nursing homes that no longer have photo IDs and moving into a nursing home on a VA pension or social security, you are alloted only $75.00 a month of your check. So what Brownback a Congressional voter responsible for two unfunded wars has done as governor, is disrespected Kansas veterans, His vote is responsible for killing 63 Kansans. As an American Legion Rider and one that has went on 14 Patriot Guard Mission, I see Brownbacks law as treason. You show me all these illegals voting in Kansas you morons that follow the Druggie Rush Limpballs. Sean Hanni'ty and Bill O'Really. I am going to force this state to pay every dime it takes these disenfranchised veterans, their widows, and any nursing home resident proper IDs. This goes to show you, that a sorry piece of republican trash that dodged military service and was a major war mongerer pushing two unfunded wars and invading the wrong country, could then disrespect our veterans, and make it hard for them to vote.
THAT LOOP HOLE ALSO IN KANSAS. If you vote by mail in Kansas you must identify what photo ID you have and write the serial number on your voter form. This again disenfranchises these same elderly voters. I am sick and tired of those brainless morons stating you need a photo ID to open bank accounts, buy beer and get on a plane or train. These people have to be pushed in wheel chairs to get some time outside. There are some that fought in the Battle of the Bulge, Hit the beaches of Normandy, Survived 25 missions over Germany,or hit the beaches of Guadalcanal, or Iwo Jima. They would be more than glad to show an ID for a beer. What a joke. They had IDs at one time all they needed to survive. Dog tags and a rifle. They opened bank accounts and sent their kids to school before drivers licenses even had a photo, they voted then. Some of these voters were even recycled into the Korean War, and Pork Chop Hill. Some are even from Vietnam. The people than are for these law, shove your children into combat, and their brats never get near a recruiting station. These people that promote voter ID laws are the one that would strip your health care, and wage protection laws. That is exactly why they want ID Laws. Less to buck the system when they come after your other rights.
The previous 2 cases of voter fraud found in Kansas was legal residents. First was a republican farmer trying to vote in two different counties, because he owned land in both counties. The other was a Democratic woman, that voted absentee, then tried to vote in person. These are the only two resent cases in Kansas, and was found by a Democratic Attorney General.
MITT ROMNEY
MITT ROMNEY, MASTER CON MAN.
Mitt Romney is that guy who can look you in the eye, and tell you that your ears, your eyes, the known facts, the testimonials, the live recordings, alltheking'shorsesandalltheking'smen - are all wrong. And that YOU, YOU (especially Senator Reid!) are really the ones to blame, for HIS serial conceits, deceits, injuries and disservices to the American people.
Romney eventually admitted filing in Utah. He lied under oath.
1) Applying to be MA governor: Romney testified he was paying taxes as an MA resident while living in Utah. Then said he'd been filing in BOTH states. Quizzed about the 'domicile' check box on the form, Romney said "I do not read the entire form."
Voter fraud charges forthcoming?
2) Voting for Scott Brown in 2010, Romney said he was physically living in his son's basement in MA, while at the same time physically living in CA with his wife. Houdini should be so lucky.
We're still waiting.
3) Romney told the 'Globe' ten years ago he'd get back to them on tax returns - he never did. In 2002, Romney's opponents produced their tax returns but no, not he. Again recently, when ABC News asked had he ever paid lower than 13.9% in taxes, Romney tee-hee'd "I'm happy to go back and look".
Senator Obama produced 8 years of tax returns - but doing so is beneath Romney's contempt?
197http://openchannel.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/08/11/13236464-new-database-of-us-voter-fraud-finds-no-evidence-that-photo-id-laws-are-needed?chromedomain=politics
The cornerstone of the Declaration of Independence – that all men are created equal – is being undermined by a rash of restrictive laws that force US citizens to endure long journeys, eccentric opening hours and hidden costs before they can vote, a new study finds.
The research, by the Brennan Center for Justice within New York University, finds that almost 500,000 eligible voters are being required to travel more than 10 miles to a government office – even though they have no car. More than 1 million eligible voters below the federal poverty line are now expected to pay costs of up to $25 before they can vote.
The
report looks at the impact of voter ID laws that have been introduced since 2011 in 10 states that require US citizens to obtain a government-issued photo identification card before they can cast their ballot.
Proponents of the new laws claim they are needed to combat fraud and that they impose no burden on citizens because ID cards can easily be obtained free of charge.
But the Brennan Center report gives the lie to that claim, exposing the many different ways in which hundreds of thousands of Americans will find it harder to vote. The burden falls particularly harshly on poor and black communities where transport and public services are limited.
One in 10 eligible voters lack the government-issued photo ID cards they now need within the 10 states before they can cast their ballot. Yet the Brennan Center found that of those, more than 10 million people live more than 10 miles away from the nearest public office where they can obtain such cards.
They might make the journey, only to find the office closed. Some offices maintain hours that can only be described as bizarre. The office in Sauk City, Wisconsin opens only on the fifth Wednesday of any month – a quirk of the calendar that happens only four times this year, in February, May, August and October.
By federal law, the photo ID cards have to be provided free. Yet in order to persuade the authorities to issue a card, citizens often have to produce a birth certificate that can cost up to $25, or, in the case of married women whose birth certificate contains a maiden name, a marriage license at up to $20.
"Every American citizen should have the opportunity to vote, but these restrictive laws could make it harder for hundreds of thousands to exercise that right," said Sundeep Iyer, co-author of the Brennan Center report.
The barriers to voting erected in the 10 states – Alabama , Georgia, Indiana , Kansas , Mississippi , Pennsylvania , South Carolina , Tennessee , Texas and Wisconsin – are not just an inconvenience for the thousands of people caught by them. They are also potentially politically significant in the presidential election year.
The 10 states between them hold 127 of the 270 electoral college votes that Barack Obama or Mitt Romney must win in November to take the presidency. All 10 states are politically controlled by Republicans.
The issue has also become a legal hot potato, with challenges by the US justice department and civil rights groups leading to major court cases in several states. Last week Texas challenged the Obama administration in a federal court in Washington in an attempt to overturn a justice department block on its voter ID law.
In closing arguments, the lawyer for the government, Matthew Colangelo, told the three federal judges that the law placed a burden on poor and minority communities. He called the requirement of a government-issued photo card "a new barrier that will disenfranchise voters the day it goes into effect".
The Brennan Center report provides evidence that supports the government's case. It shows how the new laws will have be especially onerous for poorer people, and for black and Hispanic communities.
About one in four African Americans do not have the recognized photo ID cards, and one in six Hispanics, compared to one in 10 of the general population.
Lack of transport is another burden that falls unequally on poor and minority ethnic communities. Several of the states that have adopted voter ID laws also towards the bottom of the national league table in terms of the amount they invest in public transport. Alabama has the distinction of being the 50th state – it does not provide any funding for public transport. Georgia and Mississippi come next, both investing less than a dollar for each of their citizens per year.
I AM SICK AND TIRED OF YOU DRAFT DODGING PUSSY GIRLIE BOYS TELL ME ABOUT NEEDING PHOTO ID.
I find it alarming that the state of KS wasted so much time and my tax dollars making it harder to vote but when I checked under the freedom of information act, I can't find a single case where KS prosecuted anyone for voter fraud. Why is that?
We have WWII and Korean War veterans in our two Kansas VA hospitals, one named after Bob Dole a disabled WWII veteran. There are quite a few in Coffeyville, Parsons and surrounding area nursing homes that no longer have photo IDs and moving into a nursing home on a VA pension or social security, you are alloted only $75.00 a month of your check. So what Brownback a Congressional voter responsible for two unfunded wars has done as governor, is disrespected Kansas veterans, His vote is responsible for killing 63 Kansans. As an American Legion Rider and one that has went on 14 Patriot Guard Mission, I see Brownbacks law as treason. You show me all these illegals voting in Kansas you morons that follow the Druggie Rush Limpballs. Sean Hanni'ty and Bill O'Really. I am going to force this state to pay every dime it takes these disenfranchised veterans, their widows, and any nursing home resident proper IDs. This goes to show you, that a sorry piece of republican trash that dodged military service and was a major war mongerer pushing two unfunded wars and invading the wrong country, could then disrespect our veterans, and make it hard for them to vote.
THAT LOOP HOLE ALSO IN KANSAS. If you vote by mail in Kansas you must identify what photo ID you have and write the serial number on your voter form. This again disenfranchises these same elderly voters. I am sick and tired of those brainless morons stating you need a photo ID to open bank accounts, buy beer and get on a plane or train. These people have to be pushed in wheel chairs to get some time outside. There are some that fought in the Battle of the Bulge, Hit the beaches of Normandy, Survived 25 missions over Germany,or hit the beaches of Guadalcanal, or Iwo Jima. They would be more than glad to show an ID for a beer. What a joke. They had IDs at one time all they needed to survive. Dog tags and a rifle. They opened bank accounts and sent their kids to school before drivers licenses even had a photo, they voted then. Some of these voters were even recycled into the Korean War, and Pork Chop Hill. Some are even from Vietnam. The people than are for these law, shove your children into combat, and their brats never get near a recruiting station. These people that promote voter ID laws are the one that would strip your health care, and wage protection laws. That is exactly why they want ID Laws. Less to buck the system when they come after your other rights.
The previous 2 cases of voter fraud found in Kansas was legal residents. First was a republican farmer trying to vote in two different counties, because he owned land in both counties. The other was a Democratic woman, that voted absentee, then tried to vote in person. These are the only two resent cases in Kansas, and was found by a Democratic Attorney General.
MITT ROMNEY
MITT ROMNEY, MASTER CON MAN.
Mitt Romney is that guy who can look you in the eye, and tell you that your ears, your eyes, the known facts, the testimonials, the live recordings, alltheking'shorsesandalltheking'smen - are all wrong. And that YOU, YOU (especially Senator Reid!) are really the ones to blame, for HIS serial conceits, deceits, injuries and disservices to the American people.
Romney eventually admitted filing in Utah. He lied under oath.
1) Applying to be MA governor: Romney testified he was paying taxes as an MA resident while living in Utah. Then said he'd been filing in BOTH states. Quizzed about the 'domicile' check box on the form, Romney said "I do not read the entire form."
Voter fraud charges forthcoming?
2) Voting for Scott Brown in 2010, Romney said he was physically living in his son's basement in MA, while at the same time physically living in CA with his wife. Houdini should be so lucky.
We're still waiting.
3) Romney told the 'Globe' ten years ago he'd get back to them on tax returns - he never did. In 2002, Romney's opponents produced their tax returns but no, not he. Again recently, when ABC News asked had he ever paid lower than 13.9% in taxes, Romney tee-hee'd "I'm happy to go back and look".
Senator Obama produced 8 years of tax returns - but doing so is beneath Romney's contempt?
197http://openchannel.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/08/11/13236464-new-database-of-us-voter-fraud-finds-no-evidence-that-photo-id-laws-are-needed?chromedomain=politics
The cornerstone of the Declaration of Independence – that all men are created equal – is being undermined by a rash of restrictive laws that force US citizens to endure long journeys, eccentric opening hours and hidden costs before they can vote, a new study finds.
The research, by the Brennan Center for Justice within New York University, finds that almost 500,000 eligible voters are being required to travel more than 10 miles to a government office – even though they have no car. More than 1 million eligible voters below the federal poverty line are now expected to pay costs of up to $25 before they can vote.
The
report looks at the impact of voter ID laws that have been introduced since 2011 in 10 states that require US citizens to obtain a government-issued photo identification card before they can cast their ballot.
Proponents of the new laws claim they are needed to combat fraud and that they impose no burden on citizens because ID cards can easily be obtained free of charge.
But the Brennan Center report gives the lie to that claim, exposing the many different ways in which hundreds of thousands of Americans will find it harder to vote. The burden falls particularly harshly on poor and black communities where transport and public services are limited.
One in 10 eligible voters lack the government-issued photo ID cards they now need within the 10 states before they can cast their ballot. Yet the Brennan Center found that of those, more than 10 million people live more than 10 miles away from the nearest public office where they can obtain such cards.
They might make the journey, only to find the office closed. Some offices maintain hours that can only be described as bizarre. The office in Sauk City, Wisconsin opens only on the fifth Wednesday of any month – a quirk of the calendar that happens only four times this year, in February, May, August and October.
By federal law, the photo ID cards have to be provided free. Yet in order to persuade the authorities to issue a card, citizens often have to produce a birth certificate that can cost up to $25, or, in the case of married women whose birth certificate contains a maiden name, a marriage license at up to $20.
"Every American citizen should have the opportunity to vote, but these restrictive laws could make it harder for hundreds of thousands to exercise that right," said Sundeep Iyer, co-author of the Brennan Center report.
The barriers to voting erected in the 10 states – Alabama , Georgia, Indiana , Kansas , Mississippi , Pennsylvania , South Carolina , Tennessee , Texas and Wisconsin – are not just an inconvenience for the thousands of people caught by them. They are also potentially politically significant in the presidential election year.
The 10 states between them hold 127 of the 270 electoral college votes that Barack Obama or Mitt Romney must win in November to take the presidency. All 10 states are politically controlled by Republicans.
The issue has also become a legal hot potato, with challenges by the US justice department and civil rights groups leading to major court cases in several states. Last week Texas challenged the Obama administration in a federal court in Washington in an attempt to overturn a justice department block on its voter ID law.
In closing arguments, the lawyer for the government, Matthew Colangelo, told the three federal judges that the law placed a burden on poor and minority communities. He called the requirement of a government-issued photo card "a new barrier that will disenfranchise voters the day it goes into effect".
The Brennan Center report provides evidence that supports the government's case. It shows how the new laws will have be especially onerous for poorer people, and for black and Hispanic communities.
About one in four African Americans do not have the recognized photo ID cards, and one in six Hispanics, compared to one in 10 of the general population.
Lack of transport is another burden that falls unequally on poor and minority ethnic communities. Several of the states that have adopted voter ID laws also towards the bottom of the national league table in terms of the amount they invest in public transport. Alabama has the distinction of being the 50th state – it does not provide any funding for public transport. Georgia and Mississippi come next, both investing less than a dollar for each of their citizens per year.
They don't have any money they say but they can use the peoples tax money to go to court on this issue.
The Republicans got 50 million from the federal governmet to build a new convention center for thier convention where did they get it from was it from the Social Secrurity fund, these are the ones worried about our debt. As long as it for the Republicans it seem they get anything they want.
We need to find out if these Republicans and judge are breaking the laws of the consitution and see what we can do they have the power to fix this now Why does it takes months to get and answers they stop everything for the case concerning the woman with her daughter on life support .
Where is the judges for the people
Gurudev, you are a genius! That a great solution, but I doubt Eric Holder and whoever oversees Immigration in this administration are going to buy in.
Bob try Homeland Security=ICE, sure take the ICE agents to make sure the hoards of illegals don't storm the voting booths in Nebraska, and stop the hoards from running back to the border, so that the hoards can storm the border looking for jobs, makes sense to me.
Voter ID, change the law, state can't afford free ID's then just close the precincts, eureka, voter suppression. Voting is a RIGHT for all Americans covered by the Constitution.
skyparrot, Illegals are everywhere. Not just down along the Mexico border. You don't think they have traveled to other states? And Illegals come from everywhere..Not just Mexico.
The largest percentage of Illegals in the Boston area are the Irish.
I have no problem with Voter ID. Anyone who is capable of making it to the polls to vote, should be able to get themselves a Legal ID to do it.
Just vote by mail. Jesus, every home in this country is a "polling place" because if you take 10 minutes and spend a few cents on a stamp, you can register to vote by mail.
How friggin' stupid are people to think anyone can't vote...
Absentee. This is SUCH a stupid waste of time, it's a complete non-issue.
Why don't we just eliminate the vote completely and let the person who raises the most money in each race win. That's what some people seem to be heading for making it harder and harder to register to vote, to provide appropriate ID, and to get to the voting booths. Why not put all the voting places in rural areas or high-density poor and elderly neighborhoods, and make the rich and middle-class have to drive there. Or, like the place in ND, make it mail-in, with one voting place actually open on election day. I'm SURE there's no fraud going on with mail-in votes!!
Keith: I do not know where you obtained the data you provided, but speaking as someone who has worked with low income/needy people for 30 years--everyone of them can easily obtain VALID ID. They must have it to get assistance PERIOD. To ask someone to provide ID is certainly not un-american. And when you or anyone else uses that as key or buzz word, it means your argument is not valid and you seek only to continue the --I've fallen and can't get up--attitude of liberals. Your post is nonsense--I know by direct experience.
No this isn't Democracy on a budget....this is Republicans exercising voter suppression. Call it what it is. The only voter fraud is calling voter suppression something other than it is.
So only the republicans are closing Polling places? GIve me a break.
And why are the Republicans fighting so hard to keep people from voting? Could it be because somewhere in the closets of their minds, they have entertained the possibility that Obama COULD beat Romney and win a second term as president? And why are they so fearful of that? Could it be that there may be a possibility of the Democrats re-taking control of Congress, taking a stand for the average American citizen and putting more pressure on the ultra-rich to pay their fair share?
Mitt Romney could win, but maybe, just maybe, President Obama will somehow pull it out of the fire and be re-elected. The Repubs are bound and determined NOT to let that happen. They will use any means necessary to try to catapult their candidate to victory. Funny how they're crying that Obamacare is unconstitutional, but fail to see the unconstitutionality of voter suppression. Very funny.
What will this filthy, rotten scoundrel, corrupt Republican corporate MONARCHY think of next!!!!
THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS CLOSING VOTING PLACES! They didn't close any VOTING PLACES DURING THE GREAT DEPRESSION! Who in the hell are they trying to $HIT!!!
They're working very hard to force the 99% American People into a CIVIL WAR! Who in the hell do they think they are!!!! They're DONE STEALING FROM US! IT IS NO MORE!! They better understand that!!
Most voting stations are manned by senior citizens, and the stations are at schools, fire stations, libraries and in the garages of a few neighbors or in the community building of Apartment buildings and townhouse complexes. with all the empty stores in some places... it wouldn't be hard to rent a store front for a few weekends.
There is no excuse to close polling stations - if the registrar of voters actually wanted to keep them open. I know people who would volunteer -work for free if you asked them... its a civic duty, its a blessing to do the right thing.
What are the requirements to offer to let your home or business, school or community club house be used as a neighborhood polling station?
funny that PBS stations can keep their stations on the air through donations - yet the Counties and states "claim" they can't keep polling stations open?
Do you really think people can't see through this bucket of crap? It'll be interesting when the polls are closed - because of these dirty tricks ...I suspect the turn out will be even higher and even more lop-sided.
All Americans hate to be taken for suckers. These tactics wil blowup in the faces of conservatives... don't phuck with a persons right to vote - this is especially sensitive for people who know what it means to have been denied rights for generations. Bottom line, We, All American tend to cheer for the underdog - because we know what it means to be discounted because your family isn't rich enough, successful enough or you daughter isn't pretty enough to be with the cool or rich kids.
Bring it, it on! Now its Personal...
Is this the best you got? all you have - We'll take seconds and thirds ... 'tain't 'nothin but a small thang....
You Conservatives are making a "Mitty" bad mistake.
Rwarrr!!! Sing it Beoweolf!!!
charge the Kochs brothers since they are so interested in politics, it only seems reasonable that they would want everyone to vote right?
Keith's right voter voter fraud is overstated... by the way jim-4120631 depending on where you live only one of your "disqualification" excuse would make it so you couldn't vote and if you had a permanent resident card you could still vote in local elections.
Oh by the way - Ex-felons voting rights are restored, if they finish parole and do not re-offend, some states do so automatically - in others they only have to send in a form, sometimes with a character reference to have it approved and its done.
only a ,few states - mostly in the south. make it difficult to regain voting rights. The point is to get people to invest in being a good citizen - not make him even angrier
What you need to vote?: in Caliornia.
Identification Required for Registration
When registering to vote, you must provide your California driver's license or state identification card number or the last four digits of your social security number.
or
If you have none of the above, the state will assign you a number that will serve to identify you for voter registration purposes only.
This underhanded stuff the Republicans are trying to pull is going to get somebody hurt you just watch and see. This is a new day, folks are not going to give up what they have fought so diligently for and that is the right to VOTE.
I hope these people realize what they are starting in this Country....Romney and Ryan are just Bigots and they are going to be responsible for this mess.
I agree with Vladimir Putin the President of Russia and what he said of Mitt Romney " How is going to bring people together on an international level when he so divisive in his own Country".
I believe that Romney would do anything to be president, he has already proven he would cheat, lie, and steal.....what's next?
you must be blind...Romney is bringing people back together, it's obama that is excellent at the divide and reduce scheme.
Romney-Ryan 2012
So it's the Republicans fault that the states don't have the money to properly run elections? I'm curious as to who the leadership is of these various states..
If voter turn out is good, Obama/Biden will win. If turn out is poor, Romney/Ryan anti-christ will win.
Romney has no dignity what so ever.....I wouldn't want to run for a Party that didn't fully embrace me. I just wonder how he expects anyone to rally behind him if he should win, don't they realize that the Whole World is watching.
And obviously Leaders of other countries don't think much of him, nor do they want to deal with him. You talking about a person of Low Moral Character this guy takes the cake.
I can't belive that people are willing to turn back the clock on progress just so this Clown can TRY to become President.
Mom..the Office of the President is Job. We as voters HIRE the President and expect him to do certain things during his Term of Office.
If he fails to do his job adequately we fire him, just as we would any employee who didn't carry his own weight.
Obama is not doing the Job. It's time for him to be fired
Romney/Ryan 2012
I'll keep my Religion My Money and My Guns. YOU can keep the change.
Janine,
If there was one proposal of McCain/Palin 2008 or Romney/Ryan 2012 regarding the economy that sounded the slightest bit innovative, I might be inclined to agree with you. I have watched for over 30 years as trickle-down economics has deteriorated the existence of the working middle-class. George H.W. Bush had it right in the 1980 primaries when he called it "voodoo economics." (He was against it before he was for it) Now, no one can claim these last four years have been particularly good for anyone except stockholders, but I remember how scared we all were in the fall of 2008 when the bottom started falling out of EVERYTHING and things are a lot more stable now. Has Obama been the perfect president--no. But, I'll take slow and steady improvement over an ill-conceived rehash of ideas that totally failed. As for keeping your religion, your money, and your guns, I have no doubt that you will, either way. This country has always been about you keeping your religion, me keeping mine, and all of us keeping it between ourselves and God, or whatever we choose to call Him/Her. As for money, I don't know what tax bracket you're in, but while my income has increased modestly over the last 4 years, my taxes really haven't. And since Romney has pledged to cut taxes for the wealthy and will eliminate "loopholes, deductions, and exemptions" to make up the difference, I hope you don't have too many of those. I really don't, so I'm not too worried on that score. Finally, on guns--no problem. There is no stomach anywhere for gun control proposals, even though the only ones I've heard suggested (1. no guns for those certified as mentally ill. 2. restrictions on weapons and ammunition that should never have been produced in the first place, except to supply combat military personnel and law enforcement SWAT teams) actually have fairly widespread popular support. However, the NRA apparently convinced that the world would be a much better place if we all owned an arsenal of assault weapons. No one dares cross them.
I'm glad your income has gradually increased over the past 4yrs, but that's not true for many people. The company I work for is barely breaking even and I've had only one raise in the past 4 yrs. Look around you. You may be doing ok,,but not the vast majority of working people. 15% of the population on Foodstamps.
While I agree with you to a degree on your view on gun ownership, tell me how you are going to enforce them? You want NO guns for mentally Ill. I'm 100% behind you there,,,BUT what happens if the person who was mentally fit when they bought their gun 5yrs ago, goes off the deep end when their husband/wife cheats on them and skips town. If the boss they nevr got along well with fires them, If someone cuts them off in traffic? There are so many variables that can occur over time.
Who is to say what should or should be manufactured? YOU? By whose standards should we go by?
I could go for a steady improvement. I'm just not seeing any. All I'm seeing is a steady decline in society, in morals and in leadership.
Alisa, Emily and Alia after reading the article it is clear that Obama is your choice. NBC has been so blatant in its attempt to re elect Barack Obama that they stoop to such partisan attempts as this piece. The effort to stigmatize only Republicans in the reporting on the North Omaha precinct closes the deal. As a journalist major myself, I'm not surprised especially with the Walter Cronkite seal of approval.
Scandeless.... now if democracy is being called into question... then obviously looking at the circumstances should lead to other methods of voting.. meaning at home onones desktop areby anothers cellphone etc.either way, either or can prove to be beneficial in the upcoming election.
Oh---this is the racket the Democrats always do to keep their fat pig welfare state constantly growing.
They always threaten that any cuts come out of police or fire prevention or elections or something like this...they never say, we'll have to cut the welfare checks by 5% or we'll have to cut back on the sex changes for government workers or we'll have to cut back on diversity training.
Same old phony scare tactic from these Welfare Pigs.
the welfare pigs spend the money in the US and gives us work.
Giving billions to banks isn't welfare? socialism? Collect from the masses and pass it to the wealthy, maybe they will create anoother $8.50 an hour job...
If we really need to make cuts, cut the senators and congressmans pay to only double the nation average, abou $70,000 and eliminate their extreme bennies, making them recieve no more benefits for their limited work as any common manual laborer in a union gets.
We could save about $2.2 trillion in the next ten years that way..
I AM SICK AND TIRED OF YOU DRAFT DODGING PUSSY GIRLIE BOYS TELL ME ABOUT NEEDING PHOTO ID.
I find it alarming that the state of KS wasted so much time and my tax dollars making it harder to vote but when I checked under the freedom of information act, I can't find a single case where KS prosecuted anyone for voter fraud. Why is that?
We have WWII and Korean War veterans in our two Kansas VA hospitals, one named after Bob Dole a disabled WWII veteran. There are quite a few in Coffeyville, Parsons and surrounding area nursing homes that no longer have photo IDs and moving into a nursing home on a VA pension or social security, you are alloted only $75.00 a month of your check. So what Brownback a Congressional voter responsible for two unfunded wars has done as governor, is disrespected Kansas veterans, His vote is responsible for killing 63 Kansans. As an American Legion Rider and one that has went on 14 Patriot Guard Mission, I see Brownbacks law as treason. You show me all these illegals voting in Kansas you morons that follow the Druggie Rush Limpballs. Sean Hanni'ty and Bill O'Really. I am going to force this state to pay every dime it takes these disenfranchised veterans, their widows, and any nursing home resident proper IDs. This goes to show you, that a sorry piece of republican trash that dodged military service and was a major war mongerer pushing two unfunded wars and invading the wrong country, could then disrespect our veterans, and make it hard for them to vote.
THAT LOOP HOLE ALSO IN KANSAS. If you vote by mail in Kansas you must identify what photo ID you have and write the serial number on your voter form. This again disenfranchises these same elderly voters. I am sick and tired of those brainless morons stating you need a photo ID to open bank accounts, buy beer and get on a plane or train. These people have to be pushed in wheel chairs to get some time outside. There are some that fought in the Battle of the Bulge, Hit the beaches of Normandy, Survived 25 missions over Germany,or hit the beaches of Guadalcanal, or Iwo Jima. They would be more than glad to show an ID for a beer. What a joke. They had IDs at one time all they needed to survive. Dog tags and a rifle. They opened bank accounts and sent their kids to school before drivers licenses even had a photo, they voted then. Some of these voters were even recycled into the Korean War, and Pork Chop Hill. Some are even from Vietnam. The people than are for these law, shove your children into combat, and their brats never get near a recruiting station. These people that promote voter ID laws are the one that would strip your health care, and wage protection laws. That is exactly why they want ID Laws. Less to buck the system when they come after your other rights.
The previous 2 cases of voter fraud found in Kansas was legal residents. First was a republican farmer trying to vote in two different counties, because he owned land in both counties. The other was a Democratic woman, that voted absentee, then tried to vote in person. These are the only two resent cases in Kansas, and was found by a Democratic Attorney General.
MITT ROMNEY
MITT ROMNEY, MASTER CON MAN.
Mitt Romney is that guy who can look you in the eye, and tell you that your ears, your eyes, the known facts, the testimonials, the live recordings, alltheking'shorsesandalltheking'smen - are all wrong. And that YOU, YOU (especially Senator Reid!) are really the ones to blame, for HIS serial conceits, deceits, injuries and disservices to the American people.
Romney eventually admitted filing in Utah. He lied under oath.
1) Applying to be MA governor: Romney testified he was paying taxes as an MA resident while living in Utah. Then said he'd been filing in BOTH states. Quizzed about the 'domicile' check box on the form, Romney said "I do not read the entire form."
Voter fraud charges forthcoming?
2) Voting for Scott Brown in 2010, Romney said he was physically living in his son's basement in MA, while at the same time physically living in CA with his wife. Houdini should be so lucky.
We're still waiting.
3) Romney told the 'Globe' ten years ago he'd get back to them on tax returns - he never did. In 2002, Romney's opponents produced their tax returns but no, not he. Again recently, when ABC News asked had he ever paid lower than 13.9% in taxes, Romney tee-hee'd "I'm happy to go back and look".
Senator Obama produced 8 years of tax returns - but doing so is beneath Romney's contempt?
197http://openchannel.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/08/11/13236464-new-database-of-us-voter-fraud-finds-no-evidence-that-photo-id-laws-are-needed?chromedomain=politics
The cornerstone of the Declaration of Independence – that all men are created equal – is being undermined by a rash of restrictive laws that force US citizens to endure long journeys, eccentric opening hours and hidden costs before they can vote, a new study finds.
The research, by the Brennan Center for Justice within New York University, finds that almost 500,000 eligible voters are being required to travel more than 10 miles to a government office – even though they have no car. More than 1 million eligible voters below the federal poverty line are now expected to pay costs of up to $25 before they can vote.
The
report looks at the impact of voter ID laws that have been introduced since 2011 in 10 states that require US citizens to obtain a government-issued photo identification card before they can cast their ballot.
Proponents of the new laws claim they are needed to combat fraud and that they impose no burden on citizens because ID cards can easily be obtained free of charge.
But the Brennan Center report gives the lie to that claim, exposing the many different ways in which hundreds of thousands of Americans will find it harder to vote. The burden falls particularly harshly on poor and black communities where transport and public services are limited.
One in 10 eligible voters lack the government-issued photo ID cards they now need within the 10 states before they can cast their ballot. Yet the Brennan Center found that of those, more than 10 million people live more than 10 miles away from the nearest public office where they can obtain such cards.
They might make the journey, only to find the office closed. Some offices maintain hours that can only be described as bizarre. The office in Sauk City, Wisconsin opens only on the fifth Wednesday of any month – a quirk of the calendar that happens only four times this year, in February, May, August and October.
By federal law, the photo ID cards have to be provided free. Yet in order to persuade the authorities to issue a card, citizens often have to produce a birth certificate that can cost up to $25, or, in the case of married women whose birth certificate contains a maiden name, a marriage license at up to $20.
"Every American citizen should have the opportunity to vote, but these restrictive laws could make it harder for hundreds of thousands to exercise that right," said Sundeep Iyer, co-author of the Brennan Center report.
The barriers to voting erected in the 10 states – Alabama , Georgia, Indiana , Kansas , Mississippi , Pennsylvania , South Carolina , Tennessee , Texas and Wisconsin – are not just an inconvenience for the thousands of people caught by them. They are also potentially politically significant in the presidential election year.
The 10 states between them hold 127 of the 270 electoral college votes that Barack Obama or Mitt Romney must win in November to take the presidency. All 10 states are politically controlled by Republicans.
The issue has also become a legal hot potato, with challenges by the US justice department and civil rights groups leading to major court cases in several states. Last week Texas challenged the Obama administration in a federal court in Washington in an attempt to overturn a justice department block on its voter ID law.
In closing arguments, the lawyer for the government, Matthew Colangelo, told the three federal judges that the law placed a burden on poor and minority communities. He called the requirement of a government-issued photo card "a new barrier that will disenfranchise voters the day it goes into effect".
The Brennan Center report provides evidence that supports the government's case. It shows how the new laws will have be especially onerous for poorer people, and for black and Hispanic communities.
About one in four African Americans do not have the recognized photo ID cards, and one in six Hispanics, compared to one in 10 of the general population.
Lack of transport is another burden that falls unequally on poor and minority ethnic communities. Several of the states that have adopted voter ID laws also towards the bottom of the national league table in terms of the amount they invest in public transport. Alabama has the distinction of being the 50th state – it does not provide any funding for public transport. Georgia and Mississippi come next, both investing less than a dollar for each of their citizens per year.
For millions who live in small cities with NO public transportation - a DL bureau in a neighboring town where you must go to get your ID card if you're a non-driver - a Vital Records office at the state capitol where you'll to have the correct forms, a checking account, and exact data to order your birth certificate to get an ID - two separate proofs of residence, which can be difficult if utilities aren't in your name, or your all-inclusive rent is the only bill you have each month - Nah, its not diffucult to get an ID if you're poor or old, or work two jobs with no time off except Sunday. Lets just go on and admit we'd like to have poll taxes, "civic knowledge" tests, and proof of property ownership to be allowed to vote. Many of my friends are in favor of exactly that. This election and its attendant right-wing fervor make a good history lesson on how the Black Shirts began to gain power in the 20's in Germany - same tactics, same faulty "factual" bases for their beliefs.
Exactly,thank you!It really IS amazing how history has a way of trying to repeat itself every 100 years or so because this is exactly the way it was destroyed back in the 20's and 30's...All out there beware of people thirsty for power,they are feeling greedy
Fred, you need an Birth certificate to get a License. You need a Legal ID to open an account, get a Post office box, get on a plane, cash a check, apply for welfare, or SS, or unemployment.
How do these people go through life with no legal ID? For the senior citizens or handicapped who don't I think we need to make it a priority that they receive these. If they have no license and no car, how do they shop, do their banking, or go to the polls?
My nations democrocy has the stench of decay.
We are fighting for other nations to recieve democrocy and we are allowing it to wither and die here at home.
Our quality of life is dropped, our health care is equal to extortion, and now our say in the choice of which one of the already limited 2 idiotic parties will administer the whip is under attack.
The water is boiling, are we going to let ourselves get boiled alive or will we jump?
Voting in America has become a dangerous nightmare for the freedom-loving!! Voter ID requirements, and the way they're written, and proposed budget-cutting measures, are two daggers in the heart of a Free and Democratic Republic, and everything that stands for!
There are some real devious people behind this - They want most of us to believe that their efforts are about "Saving America," and "Turning the Economy Around!" BS! Their scheme is to take power, by hook & crook!! Long Live Liberty and True Freedom!!!
First problem is all the documents needed/requested are already paid for with taxpayer money. The salary of the person copying or issuing the documents, is from taxpayer money. The budget for the Agency is also funded by taxpayers. We have been led down the path for years that we need to pay state/federal employees for doing what we pay taxes for them to do. Its like going to a restaurant, ordering food, paying for the food, but then they hit you with a charge to eat it and then charge you for the napkin you used to wipe you mouth/hands.
In line with the current conversation, whatever needs to be done, should be done so every American has the chance and opportunity to vote. Regardless of the party, race, religion, color or whatever other label you may want to put on it. When you allow games to be played on someone else, its just a matter of time before its played on you. And do not ever believe that a poitician is looking out for your interest, because he is truly looking out for his own.
I wholeheartedly agree...every American should have the right to vote. Let's just be certian that NON Americans don't have the ability to govern us through the voting polls.
If you have ever had a friend or relative who doesn't have ID you know what it takes to get ID. It isn't easy and it takes time. Now with only "state approved" identification, it makes it even harder. This is clearly a way to disenfranchise poor, disabled, and minority voters. We are supposed to be living in a democracy which means we are all equal and allowed to vote. If you think for a minute that this isn't being done for advantage by one particular party, you are being very naieve.
Have read many of the posts. My conclusion is as follows. All Republicans are rich and can get to the polls because their limo drivere can take them. All Democrats are disenfranchised, poor and unable to get to a polling place. These same poor people are able to find cash jobs, get access to free healthcare, sign up for welfare, utility assistancy and food stamps. misteriously these same people are not able to attain a voter registration card. Its obvious those rich peoples limo drivers have their driving boot on the neck of the poor Democrats.
All the legals who can't register to vote should move to NJ. You can see the Statue of Liberty just off our shore. Give me your tired, your hungry and your poor yearning for a freebie. All you need is a copy of a phone bill to vote in the Garden State. Please let me know if you all are coming. I need time to pack...
I AM SICK AND TIRED OF YOU DRAFT DODGING PUSSY GIRLIE BOYS TELL ME ABOUT NEEDING PHOTO ID.
I find it alarming that the state of KS wasted so much time and my tax dollars making it harder to vote but when I checked under the freedom of information act, I can't find a single case where KS prosecuted anyone for voter fraud. Why is that?
We have WWII and Korean War veterans in our two Kansas VA hospitals, one named after Bob Dole a disabled WWII veteran. There are quite a few in Coffeyville, Parsons and surrounding area nursing homes that no longer have photo IDs and moving into a nursing home on a VA pension or social security, you are alloted only $75.00 a month of your check. So what Brownback a Congressional voter responsible for two unfunded wars has done as governor, is disrespected Kansas veterans, His vote is responsible for killing 63 Kansans. As an American Legion Rider and one that has went on 14 Patriot Guard Mission, I see Brownbacks law as treason. You show me all these illegals voting in Kansas you morons that follow the Druggie Rush Limpballs. Sean Hanni'ty and Bill O'Really. I am going to force this state to pay every dime it takes these disenfranchised veterans, their widows, and any nursing home resident proper IDs. This goes to show you, that a sorry piece of republican trash that dodged military service and was a major war mongerer pushing two unfunded wars and invading the wrong country, could then disrespect our veterans, and make it hard for them to vote.
THAT LOOP HOLE ALSO IN KANSAS. If you vote by mail in Kansas you must identify what photo ID you have and write the serial number on your voter form. This again disenfranchises these same elderly voters. I am sick and tired of those brainless morons stating you need a photo ID to open bank accounts, buy beer and get on a plane or train. These people have to be pushed in wheel chairs to get some time outside. There are some that fought in the Battle of the Bulge, Hit the beaches of Normandy, Survived 25 missions over Germany,or hit the beaches of Guadalcanal, or Iwo Jima. They would be more than glad to show an ID for a beer. What a joke. They had IDs at one time all they needed to survive. Dog tags and a rifle. They opened bank accounts and sent their kids to school before drivers licenses even had a photo, they voted then. Some of these voters were even recycled into the Korean War, and Pork Chop Hill. Some are even from Vietnam. The people than are for these law, shove your children into combat, and their brats never get near a recruiting station. These people that promote voter ID laws are the one that would strip your health care, and wage protection laws. That is exactly why they want ID Laws. Less to buck the system when they come after your other rights.
The previous 2 cases of voter fraud found in Kansas was legal residents. First was a republican farmer trying to vote in two different counties, because he owned land in both counties. The other was a Democratic woman, that voted absentee, then tried to vote in person. These are the only two resent cases in Kansas, and was found by a Democratic Attorney General.
MITT ROMNEY
MITT ROMNEY, MASTER CON MAN.
Mitt Romney is that guy who can look you in the eye, and tell you that your ears, your eyes, the known facts, the testimonials, the live recordings, alltheking'shorsesandalltheking'smen - are all wrong. And that YOU, YOU (especially Senator Reid!) are really the ones to blame, for HIS serial conceits, deceits, injuries and disservices to the American people.
Romney eventually admitted filing in Utah. He lied under oath.
1) Applying to be MA governor: Romney testified he was paying taxes as an MA resident while living in Utah. Then said he'd been filing in BOTH states. Quizzed about the 'domicile' check box on the form, Romney said "I do not read the entire form."
Voter fraud charges forthcoming?
2) Voting for Scott Brown in 2010, Romney said he was physically living in his son's basement in MA, while at the same time physically living in CA with his wife. Houdini should be so lucky.
We're still waiting.
3) Romney told the 'Globe' ten years ago he'd get back to them on tax returns - he never did. In 2002, Romney's opponents produced their tax returns but no, not he. Again recently, when ABC News asked had he ever paid lower than 13.9% in taxes, Romney tee-hee'd "I'm happy to go back and look".
Senator Obama produced 8 years of tax returns - but doing so is beneath Romney's contempt?
197http://openchannel.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/08/11/13236464-new-database-of-us-voter-fraud-finds-no-evidence-that-photo-id-laws-are-needed?chromedomain=politics
The cornerstone of the Declaration of Independence – that all men are created equal – is being undermined by a rash of restrictive laws that force US citizens to endure long journeys, eccentric opening hours and hidden costs before they can vote, a new study finds.
The research, by the Brennan Center for Justice within New York University, finds that almost 500,000 eligible voters are being required to travel more than 10 miles to a government office – even though they have no car. More than 1 million eligible voters below the federal poverty line are now expected to pay costs of up to $25 before they can vote.
The
report looks at the impact of voter ID laws that have been introduced since 2011 in 10 states that require US citizens to obtain a government-issued photo identification card before they can cast their ballot.
Proponents of the new laws claim they are needed to combat fraud and that they impose no burden on citizens because ID cards can easily be obtained free of charge.
But the Brennan Center report gives the lie to that claim, exposing the many different ways in which hundreds of thousands of Americans will find it harder to vote. The burden falls particularly harshly on poor and black communities where transport and public services are limited.
One in 10 eligible voters lack the government-issued photo ID cards they now need within the 10 states before they can cast their ballot. Yet the Brennan Center found that of those, more than 10 million people live more than 10 miles away from the nearest public office where they can obtain such cards.
They might make the journey, only to find the office closed. Some offices maintain hours that can only be described as bizarre. The office in Sauk City, Wisconsin opens only on the fifth Wednesday of any month – a quirk of the calendar that happens only four times this year, in February, May, August and October.
By federal law, the photo ID cards have to be provided free. Yet in order to persuade the authorities to issue a card, citizens often have to produce a birth certificate that can cost up to $25, or, in the case of married women whose birth certificate contains a maiden name, a marriage license at up to $20.
"Every American citizen should have the opportunity to vote, but these restrictive laws could make it harder for hundreds of thousands to exercise that right," said Sundeep Iyer, co-author of the Brennan Center report.
The barriers to voting erected in the 10 states – Alabama , Georgia, Indiana , Kansas , Mississippi , Pennsylvania , South Carolina , Tennessee , Texas and Wisconsin – are not just an inconvenience for the thousands of people caught by them. They are also potentially politically significant in the presidential election year.
The 10 states between them hold 127 of the 270 electoral college votes that Barack Obama or Mitt Romney must win in November to take the presidency. All 10 states are politically controlled by Republicans.
The issue has also become a legal hot potato, with challenges by the US justice department and civil rights groups leading to major court cases in several states. Last week Texas challenged the Obama administration in a federal court in Washington in an attempt to overturn a justice department block on its voter ID law.
In closing arguments, the lawyer for the government, Matthew Colangelo, told the three federal judges that the law placed a burden on poor and minority communities. He called the requirement of a government-issued photo card "a new barrier that will disenfranchise voters the day it goes into effect".
The Brennan Center report provides evidence that supports the government's case. It shows how the new laws will have be especially onerous for poorer people, and for black and Hispanic communities.
About one in four African Americans do not have the recognized photo ID cards, and one in six Hispanics, compared to one in 10 of the general population.
Lack of transport is another burden that falls unequally on poor and minority ethnic communities. Several of the states that have adopted voter ID laws also towards the bottom of the national league table in terms of the amount they invest in public transport. Alabama has the distinction of being the 50th state – it does not provide any funding for public transport. Georgia and Mississippi come next, both investing less than a dollar for each of their citizens per year.
It's been said before, but I'll reiterate: America was dirt poor during the Great Depression, but people still managed to get to the polls and make their voices heard. If we were able to afford it then, we can certainly do it now!! This budgetary stuff is nothing but a smoke screen, plain and simple.
"In separate rulings, two judges have so far blocked implementation of Winconsin's voter ID law, saying it creates a "substantial impairment" to the right to vote and that violates the state constitution" Exactly. These new laws to prevent people from voting in states controlled by white republicans are nothing more than part of a nation wide movement to stop as many people as possible from voting in November, or any other time for that matter. It has nothing to do with saving money, voter fraud, people illegally on voter registration lists, etc. etc. etc., it only has to do with preventing the young, the elderly, minorities, and the poor from voting because they would probably vote demorcrat. The facts do not support what the GOP is saying, but that should be clear this year especially.
Sentence a prisoner to death - then ask him to pay for a new rope or the bullet you shoot him with? this is not how to restore crediblity to th electorial Process.
Charging people to execise their rights as citizens? by putting in new requirements - you changed the rules and the requirements, so put this down as a cost of government... just like when you put in street lights, signal lights, courts and police. It is in the interest of the government to pay for the improvements they insist are necessary.
Its the voter's "sole duty to present himself" - at a resonable time and a reasonable place to cast his vote.
@Beoweolf
What is amazing is how many on this vine disagree with you. Amazing. They obviously have zero shame.
They keep claiming there is massive fraud but can't prove it. Then all their little buddies rally around them. Very sad.
If Obama gets re-elected, there won't be a need to have elections again... maybe we can cut the pensions of all politicians and use that money for voter id. There shouldn't be career politicians anyways.
one term... back to the real world.