Voter Identification

NFRW SUPPORTS STATE VOTER PHOTO ID MEASURES

Voter identification has been a hot topic in state legislatures over the past decade. Since 2001, more than 700 bills have been introduced in 46 states. A dozen states have passed major legislation during this period.

Only eight states require a photo ID when voting. Eighteen others require identification, but not a photo. These states total only 26, leaving 24 states with no voter identification requirement.

The ACLU, among others, has filed suit in a number of states, challenging the legality of requiring identification. In October 2006, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision to suspend Arizona’s requirements (ID, but no photo); but, the Missouri Supreme Court struck down the state’s photo requirement. That is currently being appealed.

Considering that one has to have a photo ID to cash a check, get a hunting license in some states, board an airplane, etc., it is unconscionable how easy it is for ineligible voters to cast a ballot, and sometimes more than one ballot. The NFRW Legislative Committee believes that if we are to keep our elections fair, voter ID (preferably a photo ID) legislation should be passed in all 50 states. We urge NFRW members in states without these laws to start a campaign now to get a law passed in your state.

Please see the map below to learn the status of your state, and contact NFRW Legislative Chair Sara Jo Odom at sjodom1@cox.net for more information.

 

SAMPLE BALLOT TEXT

Some states such as Oklahoma have the issue of Voter ID on their ballot in November. If states won’t pass a bill in their legislatures, then the people should demand it. Here is the wording of the Oklahoma question on the November ballot:

“This measure amends statutes relating to voter requirements. It requires that each person appearing to vote present a document proving their identity. The document must meet the following requirements. It must have the name and photograph of the voter. It must have been issued by the federal, state or tribal government. It must have an expiration date that is after the date of the election. No expiration date would be required on certain identity cards issued to persons 65 years of age or older.

“In lieu of such a document, voters could present voter identification cards issued by the County Election Board.

“A person who cannot or does not present the required identification may sign a sworn statement and cast a provisional ballot. Swearing to a false statement would be a felony.

“These proof of identity requirements also apply to in-person absentee voting. If adopted by the people, the measure would become effective July 1, 2011.”

 

HOW DOES YOUR STATE MEASURE UP?

States with Voter Photo ID Law
FL | GA | HI | ID | IN | LA | MI | SD

States with Voter ID Law
AK | AL | AR | AZ | CO | CT | DE | KY | MO | MT | ND | OH | SC | TN | TX | UT | VA | WA