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Posted on 01/28/2011 5:13:44 AM PST by Diana in Wisconsin
This week the American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin testified against SB 6, a bill that would require every eligible voter to show a photo ID each time they cast a ballot in a state election.
While proponents of this bill say it will fix vote fraud, the state Senate Committee on Transportation and Elections heard from voters and advocates who testified about why the plan will have a discriminatory impact on minorities and will be a costly and ineffective attempt to prevent fraud.
“On a national level, the ACLU has worked to fight photo ID requirements on behalf of the people of color, the elderly, people with disabilities and students who are less likely to have a current state drivers license or state identification,” said ACLU of Wisconsin Associate Director Renee Shavers. “But the law that has been introduced in Wisconsin is the worst and most restrictive we’ve seen. To deny potentially thousands of voters the right to freely cast a ballot based on the non-existent problem of so-called voter fraud is unconscionable in a free society.”
Citizens who tend not to have current or state-issued photo identification include a disproportionate number of people of color as well as the elderly, people with disabilities, those who rely on public transportation, and mobile populations such as college students.
The ACLU of Wisconsin opposes SB 6 because the group says the bill would restrict the free and fair voting rights of eligible voters while having a discriminatory effect on minorities.
Even if the bill allows for individuals to obtain identification free of charge, the proof-of-identity documents required often cost money and take time to obtain, the group says. Additional barriers can be experienced by citizens who face the circular challenge of obtaining documents for their photo ID when a photo ID is required to obtain those documents.
When individuals, especially low-income workers and those who rely on public transportation face the costs of taking time off of work, traveling to motor vehicle departments with limited locations and hours in Wisconsin and paying fees for certified documents to obtain a photo ID simply for the freedom to vote, the ACLU of Wisconsin has pledged to act on behalf of those disenfranchised by the proposed law.
“We hope that lawmakers will see that their plan to offer ‘free’ IDs is not truly free, for individual voters and for the state taxpayers,” said Shavers. “If even a minority of eligible voters become disenfranchised by this law, we will oppose it. But all voters, even those who have drivers licenses, should speak out against this attempt to place barriers on the right to vote in free and fair elections in Wisconsin.”
Proponents of this measure exaggerate the instances of illegal votes cast in Wisconsin. For instance, according to the Brennan Center for Justice report on the considerable effort and resources spent to prosecute fraudulent voters in Wisconsin and nationwide after the 2004 elections only 18 cases of substantiated illegal voting led to convictions in our state.
Most polling place problems are attributable to data entry or human errors with registration lists. None of the prosecuted cases would be avoided by requiring a photo ID to vote at the polls on Election Day, the ACLU says.
To the extent that a small number of felons on probation or parole who are ineligible to vote may cast ballots, this measure will not stop them from voting because they have or may get valid photo IDs.
Looks like Wisconsin is doing something right! :)
The ACLU is another organization, like Planned ‘Parenthood,’ that should receive NO federal monies. None....Zip!
Time to start making cuts...
Put their picture on their Food Stamp card.
“Proponents of this measure exaggerate the instances of illegal votes cast in Wisconsin.”
One illegal vote is one too many IMO.
They are either morons or evil. Probably evil morons.
If those people without proper identification ar etoo disinterested to invest what is necessary to exercise their franchise, then they really don't need to be voting anyway. They can dial into American Idol instead.
Gee Golly - does this mean that the ACLU will now testify against our large Wisconsin grocery chain Pick N Save because currently I MUST show photo ID to purchase beer, wine or liquor - even at ANY age? HHHHmmmmm? That might “disenfranchise” those pooooor peoples, too. yuk, yuk
Not holding my breath here.......
The amerikan communist litigants union is just an extension of the american communist party.
This statement by the ACLU is utter nonsense! Photo IDs are today available to all. They are inexpensive to produce and can be made readily available, probably free of charge. Many people with disabilities, students, children, and the elderly already have ID cards. It is simple common sense in today's society to have a means of identification. Does the ACLU want to protect fraud? They need some other excuse.
I was not aware Wisconsin DID NOT photo id requirements.
I am surprised the conservatives won this past November.
Wasn’t it in the 2000 prez election in Milwaukee where we had that NY DEM operative woman giving smokes for votes to all the BUS LOADS of people (Illinois plates on busses) unloading at the polls? E. Michael McCann was the DA for MKE county that said “we have no proof of that” when actual film footage was clearly shown on two local TV channels - Smokes for Votes. Nope no cheatin here in Wisconsin. None, nadda. Give me a break, folks.
IF they’re squealing like a pig - it’s hitting the right spot. Go Walker Go and from our side - IT’S about TIME.
purple ink on the finger...
You have to have a photo ID to cash a check, buy liquor, or buy a gun. So what is the problem with having a photo ID to vote?
In a sane world they would have to present a photo id to get their food stamps. The ONLY reason to oppose a photo id for voting is that it will prevent cheating and the left would lose big time. With photo id’s and purple fingers the left would never win another election.
“I am surprised the conservatives won this past November.”
We owe a world of debt to Reince Priebus - who is now Chair of the RNC - sans Steele! :)
America has a fighting chance now. Voters need to do a little more RINO hunting and all will be well. ;)
I’d like to know how many of these poor people who don’t have any picture identification are also on the welfare rolls? I think this argument is garbage.
There is no other reason for not I.d-ing voters except promoting fraud - can’t justify it any other way.
We i.d. here in VA thanks to a past Pubby legislature - God bless ‘em.
And God bless WI!!!! They went conservative this last election - now you can secede Madison...
And GO PACKERS!!!!!
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