Americans, like the Irish, should have to provide photo ID to vote

Posted on Thursday, October 27, 2011 at 09:56 AM

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Irish election officials checking voters' registration details

When considering American politics, Irish people almost universally side with the Democrats over the Republicans. However, when it comes to the requirements for actually voting in an election, the Irish demand the sort of proof of identity that would make America's Republicans envious.

Irish people are voting today for a new President. Anyone intending to vote must (a) be on the register, (b) bring the Polling Information Card mailed to them and (c) bring an additional form of photo ID with them.

Registration involves filling in a form and submitting that to the local election officials. Annually someone from that office comes to the door to make sure that the register matches what they find at each household. (This is not tricky. It consists of "Is this you?" and "Does this other person live here?"}

Anyone properly registered will receive a Polling Information Card in the weeks before a vote. A voter must bring that card with him to the polling station along with a photo ID - driver's license, passport, student card, etc. In some cases bank statements and birth certificates can be used.
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I've never heard anyone complain that these requirements are too steep a hill to climb for any voters. So, what exactly is the problem with implementing similar measures for American elections?

Yet, across America people object when a photo ID is required for voting. That there is little evidence of voter fraud doesn't mean a thing. Until you actually demand that a voter verify they are who they say they are how do you know they're not committing a fraud?

If voter fraud is a non-issue what's the concern with demanding ID? Last time I was home in New York I was asked for proof of age when I wanted to buy a bottle of wine. I was told it was mandatory. I thought it was a little strange because it was the first time I was asked for ID in over 20 years. That's all it was, though. Strange. Nothing more. Not even inconvenient.

It's not just buying alcohol either. These days you're always asked to provide photo ID. Want to enter your workplace, you're likely to be asked to produce a photo ID card. You want to cash a check? Photo ID. You want to buy an Amtrak ticket? Photo ID.

It seems so minor an imposition that the only conclusion I can come to is that those who oppose it do so because they know it's a bigger problem than they're letting on. Get over it. Photo ID for voting should be mandatory.

{Photo from UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office.}

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AmericanGirl83 | Dec 04, 2011, 06:09 PM EST

That is an interesting article. In fact, the last time I voted here in Florida, USA, I had to produce my ID so, I don't understand what states are NOT demanding ID's.

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kevinhayes | Oct 29, 2011, 12:15 PM EDT

The demand for photo ID is the GOP trying every way they can to deprive the poor of the vote. That's the only motivation for this current GOP crusade. There is minimal voter fraud, contrived Acorn controversy notwithstanding. The Yank is just mouthing the current GOP voter suppression line.

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aoibhinn | Oct 29, 2011, 10:14 AM EDT

OMG, I agree w/ sirpeter! Just because you are supposed to follow ridiculous rules does not mean you should. Americans are far too willing to go along with whatever they are told to do - wait in line for an hour at the airport to have their privacy invaded and time wasted for nothing more than a show, and the myriad other ways they willingly give up their right to privacy. In Ireland you would only need the ID if the one with the list doesn't know you, but they are usually ancient and know everyone in the area.

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funTzus | Oct 29, 2011, 06:29 AM EDT

You would want to check your facts. You are not required to bring your polling card when voting. Also you are not required to re-register every year. I have never in my life had someone check who lives in my house. Generally speaking photo ID is not actually required and a polling card will be sufficient. I know all this because I had no ID with me when I voted this week.

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EdinCali | Oct 28, 2011, 10:55 PM EDT

Oh yer so insensitive John, trying to suppress all of those poor voters who do not have enuf money to buy an id...shame on ye I say! :)

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sirpeter | Oct 28, 2011, 09:41 PM EDT

Erra!! You might be asked for ID when voting.But I have never heard of anyone been asked for it.Yank to be asked for proof of age when you are 20 years over the legal drinking age is not strange.It's thick stupid and invasive.As an Irish person I would not tolerate or participate in obvious stupidity for just a bottle of wine.Even if I had ID in my back pocket I would have told him to fu*k off.He has no business knowing your name or age.It's all leading up to the Big Brother is watching.It will be compulsory to carry ID next.Little Steps that how the Nazi's did it.If government's had their way they would be implanting a micro chip in our necks at birth so we couldn't fart without it.We need to stop that where it isn't necessary.

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Ajreaper | Oct 28, 2011, 12:32 PM EDT

What I find silly is when folks are using a credit card and seem put off when asked to show photo ID- I mean it protects them from having their card used by someone other then them. I have seen some folks really get upset and honestly I just don't get it.

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