American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey
Here are a few ways to talk about how requiring a Voter Id = Voter Suppression:
- Tell a (your) story - If you know someone who would be disenfranchised, or would be disenfranchised yourself tell that story from your perspective. This can be an incredibly powerful way to convey a message that is also personal, which helps connect you to the issue. Here is the story of my Grandmother:
- My grandmother recently moved into an apartment for seniors, while at the same time she was denied a new drivers license because she failed the test. So, she did not get a new ID with her new address. Since she no longer has a car, and she lives in a small town in Northern Minnesota, getting any sort of a current ID would be challenging. She lives on a fixed income, and without any public transportation even getting to a DMV to get a "free" voter ID would not be free. The nearest DMV is 25 miles away, and she has no easy way to get there. Furthermore, she would have to provide ID to get her "free" ID, which in turn costs money.
Counter "fiction" with facts
Fiction: Voter Fraud is pervasive in Minnesota!
Fact: Despite a massive investigation by voter ID proponents, there were only 160 voter eligibility violation cases filed in 2011, and only 140 convictions. All of which were felons voting before they were eligible. 2,700,000 votes were cast in 2010 primary and general elections. That is a .006% rate of error. Contrast that with the 45% of eligible voters who did not vote in 2010, which is the bigger problem?
Fiction: Everyone has an ID card
Fact: Over 215,000 eligible voters, lack a current government issued ID that could be used for voting according to the Secretary of State.
Fiction: Showing an ID would prevent all types of known voter fraud
Fact: The documented fraud routinely discussed has been felons voting before they are eligible; showing an ID to vote would not prevent this. It does not say whether or not you are felon on your ID (nor should it). Showing an ID would not prevent non-citizens from voting (ID cards don't show immigration status). The only type of voting fraud it could prevent is in-person voter impersonation fraud, of which there is no documented evidence.
Fiction: Since they would provide a free voting ID card, everyone could easily get one
Fact: To get that free ID card you need to first get to a location that issues them (not an easy feat for people in assisted living centers, or people who don't have transportation.) Then you would need to ensure you have the proper documents to get an ID. If you don't readily have that, it costs money and time to get the proper documents. Copies of MN birth certificates cost $26, copies of marriage records cost $9. To many low income people, these barriers would be insurmountable. Proponents of voter ID point to a waiver process that is in place for people who lack the required documentation, however waivers are discretionary. Which means you would leave the fate of someone able to vote up to an individual's discretion.
Talking Points
- Voting is a fundamental constitutional right; not a privilege.
- Privileges include: buying cigarettes, driving, opening a bank account. Photo ID required. Constitutional rights include: Religious worship, publishing the news, testifying before the legislature. No photo ID required.
- The Bill of Rights exists so that a vote of the majority cannot take away the rights of a minority.
- Most people in the mainstream already carry a photo ID, and this would not be a problem. However, a minority of our citizens, including the elderly, the poor and the disabled, do not have a current photo ID for good reasons. Requiring them to obtain a photo ID is a burden; some may not be able to obtain the appropriate type of ID and will lose their right to vote.
- Laws should be established on a rational basis, that is, fact; not rumor and fear.
- There is no documented voter impersonation fraud in Minnesota, despite two closely scrutinized election recounts. Voter impersonation is the only type of fraud voter ID would fight. There are no facts that support a need for voter ID.
- No eligible citizen should have to pay to vote.
- Requiring voters to obtain an ID in order to vote is equivalent to a poll tax, although this bill would require the State of Minnesota to issue free IDs, the birth certificates, passports, or other documents required to get an ID cost money, and many Americans simply cannot afford to pay them.
- Voter ID laws are discriminatory.
- Voter ID laws have a disproportionate and unfair impact on low-income individuals, racial and ethnic minority voters, senior citizens, and voters with disabilities.
- Voter ID laws limit voters' access to the voting booth and hinder their right to cast a ballot.
- Voter ID laws restrict access to the voting booth. Rather than erecting hurdles that prevent Americans from voting, lawmakers must ensure that every eligible voter is allowed to vote, and every vote counts.
- Our country has come a long way because of the civil rights movement and the passage of the Voting Rights Act; voter ID requirements are a step backwards.
- The history of our nation is characterized by a gradual expansion of voting rights. As our democracy continued to evolve with the passage of the 14th, 15th, 19th, 14th and 26th amendment the right to vote has been expanded to include most Americans. This makes it the most talked about right in our Constitution! Every one of those amendments, expanded voting rights (not limited). It is THE fundamental political right.
