Voters Will Have To Show ID On Sept 9

Mobile Register ^ | 8-9-2003 | Rhoda A Pickett

[blam]

Voters will have to show ID on Sept. 9

Law was signed by Gov. Riley in June

08/09/03

By RHODA A. PICKETT
Mobile Register
Staff Reporter

The U.S. Justice Department has decided that Alabama's new voter ID law will be in effect when voters head to the polls Sept. 9 to cast ballots on a statewide tax referendum.

Officials with the Alabama attorney general's office spread the word to county election officials around the state Friday, letting them know that voters will have to show one of the forms of identification required by the law that Gov. Bob Riley signed in June.

Federal justice officials sent word to state officials late Thursday, according to Joy Patterson, a spokeswoman in the attorney general's office.

Because of the South's history of racial discrimination, when Alabama and other Southern states pass new laws and regulations that pertain to elections, they must pass muster with the Justice Department in a process called "pre-clearance."

In addition to voter ID, the Justice Department also pre-cleared a new law establishing statewide uniform polling hours in time for the Sept. 9 vote. Polls will be open across the state from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., including those parts of the state in the Eastern time zone.

"The implementation of our new voter identification law is a tremendous victory for honest elections and the voters of Alabama," Attorney General Bill Pryor said in a statement.

"Voter ID is a basic and reasonable safeguard that will preserve the integrity of our elections and protect the fundamental rights of citizens to cast their votes," he said. "I am pleased also that the new statewide uniform voting hours should provide a more efficient and convenient voting process."

The voter ID law was a source of contention for many years. Republicans have said that it would help ensure against voter fraud. Many Democrats, though, have opposed it, saying that black voters, particularly those old enough to recall the pre-civil rights era of poll taxes and literacy tests, would be intimidated and discouraged from voting.

The law requires each voter to provide one acceptable form of identification to the appropriate election official prior to voting. Acceptable forms of identification include the following:

A current valid photo identification, which can include a government produced photo ID, such as a driver's license; an employee ID; college, university or technical school ID.

A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or other government document showing the name and address of the voter.

The term other government document includes the following:

A valid identification card issued by a branch, department, agency or entity of the state of Alabama, any other state, or the United States authorized by law to issue personal identification.

A valid United States passport.

A valid Alabama hunting or fishing license.

A valid Alabama permit to carry a pistol or revolver.

A valid pilot's license issued by the Federal Aviation Administration or other authorized agency of the United States.

A valid United States military identification card.

A certified copy of the voter's birth certificate.

Certified naturalization documentation.

A certified copy of court records showing adoption or name change.

A valid Medicaid card, Medicare card, or Electronic Benefits Transfer Card, also known as a "food stamp card."

Mobile County Probate Judge Don Davis said that inspectors and chief clerks at the each of the county's voting precincts will receive additional information during one of two workshops planned prior to the referendum.

"I feel confident that voters will have one of these forms of identification to bring with them," Davis said. "It's going to slow things down a little bit, so voters should have it ready in their hands when they get to the table."

[blam]

One step in the right direction.

[Paul Atreides]

The only person I'll show my ID to is a licensed therapist.

[blam]

So, you're not gonna vote Sept 9?

[PetroniDE]

Yes, good news indeed. If a person can't produce even ONE item on that list, they have no business voting, since they probably DON'T live in that precinct.

Let them cash a check, rent a video, etc without SOME form of ID.

[Paul Atreides]

Never mind. I was making a psychology joke. Just my superego getting the better of me.

[sarcasm]

I don't see the Matricula Consular listed - how dare Alabama disenfranchise illegal aliens.

[lowbridge]

Democrats, though, have opposed it, saying that black voters, particularly those old enough to recall the pre-civil rights era of poll taxes and literacy tests, would be intimidated and discouraged from voting.

Dont the Democrats have any white people committing voter fraud for them? If not, then they are racists.

[StACase]

Many Democrats, though, have opposed it

Why do you suppose that is?
I know it's not because of the reasons given.

[Maceman]

The only person I'll show my ID to is a licensed therapist.

Too bad. Your vote would be missed. And it must be tough for you to never be able to fly or rent a car.

This is an outstanding idea. In Massachusetts during the 02 election cycle, a federal judge ruled that it is discriminatory to ask for an ID at a polling place. His reason was essentially that Hispanics and other immigrant population -- who often are wary of showing ID -- would be intimidated into not voting.

So fundamentally, in Massachuseetts, it is no longer necessary to be a citizen to vote in American elections.

We have to show ID when we fly. It is just common sense that we should have to show a valid ID to vote. The alternative is an invitation to election fraud.

[Paul Atreides]

I was making a joke, using the psychological term "Id."

[Paul Atreides]

According to Freud, we are born with our Id. The id is an important part of our personality because as newborns, it allows us to get our basic needs met. Freud believed that the id is based on our pleasure principle. In other words, the id wants whatever feels good at the time, with no consideration for the reality of the situation. When a child is hungry, the id wants food, and therefore the child cries. When the child needs to be changed, the id cries. When the child is uncomfortable, in pain, too hot, too cold, or just wants attention, the id speaks up until his or her needs are met.

[John Jorsett]

A valid Alabama permit to carry a pistol or revolver.

Very sensible. "Of course I can vote; here's my firearm carry permit." "Yes, sir! Right this way! Here, let me hold that curtain for you!"

[meyer]

Voter fraud in Alabama takes a major step backwards. I just wonder if any democRAT is electable in an honest election.

[reflecting]

Good one! hehehe!

[Aarchaeus]

"Never mind. I was making a psychology joke. Just my superego getting the better of me."

Well, duhhh! I have done quite a bit of reading in psychology, but that mention of showing your id went right past me. Context misdirected me. Good one, Paul!

[evolved_rage]

[reflecting]

It's not funny when you have splain it!

[sweetliberty]

I'm glad at least one state is exercising some common sense and not kowing to the racebaiters.

[sweetliberty]

"His reason was essentially that Hispanics and other immigrant population -- who often are wary of showing ID -- would be intimidated into not voting."

Uhh, isn't that the idea? It is my understanding that only American citizens are qualified or legally able to vote in our elections, so why are we making laws to protect the illegal votes of illegal people?

[Paul Atreides]

I know. I've been on a humor high, after watching ZsaZsa HuffnPuff make a fool of herself today.

[justalurker]

Cheese and rice! That one went over almost everyones head!

[sweetliberty]

"I just wonder if any democRAT is electable in an honest election."

Unlikely, except in those urban cesspools infested with idiots.

[Paul Atreides]

I came awfully close to having the spice knocked out of me.

[Paul Atreides]

Unlikely, except in those urban cesspools infested with idiots.

[sweetliberty]

[usadave]

His reason was essentially that Hispanics and other immigrant population -- who often are wary of showing ID -- would be intimidated into not voting.

Interestingly, in order to vote in an election in Mexico, Mexicans must show a photo ID. I don't know how things are done in Central and South American countries, but Mexican citizens are quite used to showing a photo ID before voting.

[meyer]

Wow! Where'd you find that picture of all those democrats?

[kentuckyusa]

Bump and bookmarked

[sweetliberty]

Can't give away my sources.

[UB355]

Our dim Wisconsin Gov just vetoed the same requirement here. I

[Lancey Howard]

Great, great news!!
This move has just cut Democrat fraud in half in Alabama.
I surely hope other states with Republican legislatures and governors have the guts and the determination to duplcate Alabam's effort before it is too late.

[watchin]

The democrats are just upset because dead voters are being disenfranchised.

[Lancey Howard]

Our dim Wisconsin Gov just vetoed the same requirement here

Well, certainly the Democrats are going to fight tooth and nail against any requirement that voters prove they are legal voters before they can vote. Such a requirement would wipe out a significant portion of the Democrat base - - dead people, fabricated people, and illegal aliens.

[Paul Atreides]

LOL! When I first saw that, I thought they were pigs.

[steplock]

A State that knows HOW TO RUN AN ELECTION!!

Congratulations ALABAMA!!!

[sweetliberty]

"When I first saw that, I thought they were pigs."

No, pigs are much smarter than democRATs.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

I was making a joke, using the psychological term "Id."

A little to subtle without audio/visual cues, but very clever.

[ridesthemiles]

We SOOOOOO NEEEED this in California. Way too many illegals voting. And mostly voting Demorat.

[ridesthemiles]

Just ask Bob Dornan who got shoved out by Loretta Sanchez and illegal voters.

[Ciexyz]

Unfair! Now all the dead voters will have to produce a death certificate. (smile)

[PatrioticAmerican]

What, is Alabama racist and not like immivader Mexicans? I didn't see their ID on the list.