I have a pretty good idea who I am and I can prove it when required. Several times a month I am asked for some kind of identification whether it be at the bank, the library, or some other American institution. I accept this minor disruption in my day as the price I pay for protecting my identity. However, some folks bristle at the thought of being required to provide proof of their identity when voting.
In this country we have privileges, duties and obligations. I believe our constitutionally protected right to vote qualifies for all three. There is talk of amending the Minnesota constitution so that a photo ID is required to be eligible to vote. I have read, heard and listened to the opposition, but I still believe requiring a photo ID would help remove fraud from the voting process.
There are at least two sides to every issue. I, like many others, want voter identification to be a part of the election process, and if it was added as an amendment to the state Constitution it would be protected from judicial tampering. It is easier to prevent fraudulent votes before they happen than trying to correct vote counts afterward.
Those opposed to photo ID for voters claim that if there is any fraud, it is very rare and infrequent. Maybe, but fraud, like many crimes, is invisible until detected. Those opposed to requiring photo ID for voters say it would be an inconvenience to the democratic process. So what? If I have to prove who I am in order to be allowed to vote so be it. That is a small price for liberty.
Let’s examine our day to day comings and goings and see how many hindrances and inconveniences could be removed to make our lives easier and void of responsibility.
Air travel could be smooth sailing without all the fuss over identification and security. Commercial airplanes could be like taxis with wings.
“Atlanta, Georgia please, and step on it.”
“Yes sir…Mr….?
“None of your business – just follow that plane.”
Cashing a check at any bank would be a profitable and easy transaction if you weren’t required to prove your identity.
“I’d like to cash a check.”
“Do you have an account with us?’
“I think so.”
“Great. How much money do you want?”
The appearance of a police car would no longer strike fear into the hearts of wayward drivers because almost anyone would be allowed to drive.
“May I see your license please?”
“License? I don’t need a license. My neighbors can vouch for me.”
If you want to get some books at the public just go get them. You don’t need a library card. Hunting and fishing would be fair game all year long. Anyone and everyone could carry a gun as the permitting process would be considered inconvenient. Proof of citizenship and passports could become a thing of the past (at least in this country). Titles, deeds and other proof of ownership would give way to such time-honored traditions as “finders, keepers” and “possession is nine-tenths of the law.”
Of course that would be silly. No one would expect such careless treatment of our identities, laws and freedoms. So it makes sense to me that our most important one, voting in our elections, should be held to the same standard. Let’s vote on it.
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