Why is a state ID at the time of voting not enough?
This is Arizona’s idea of installing voter chaos. Before this the Republicans were demanding proof of identity at the time of voting. The problem then as with this new mess is cost and accessibility to facilities to prove identity to obtain a state ID in the first place. And why is Arizona ONLY insisting on proof of citizenship for federal elections? Is there something this extremist political party is trying to control at the federal level in 2024? It is pure corruption to single out federal elections as the only voting where proof of citizenship is required.
The federal government, according to the USA Constitution, does not control voting, the states do. So why all of a sudden is Arizona throwing federal elections to the courts to decide, including the Supreme Court? Makes no sense to me.
Committing fraud is a serious crime and one that can be imposed if falsely registering to vote. The reason fraud is part of voting regulations is to deter criminal use of voting rights. If the penalty is not strong enough, then increase the penalty.
The correct focus for citizen’s asserting their right to vote is to make it easy to do so without hurdles. Voting increases citizens’ opportunity to have representation in government to solve their problems.
If a state is going to require proof of citizenship in order to register then the state should be liable for ANY costs including accessibility. That means if a citizen cannot find a ride to the facility to register with proof of citizenship in hand, then the state MUST supply transportation to do so. If a citizen is not mobile due to physical infirmity then the state MUST supply a person to go to the citizen to record their citizenship for voting. Such home bound Americans can vote by mail. There should be no barriers to their participation. NONE. That is provided for by the American with Disabilities Act.
So, if Arizona wants proof of citizenship in order to vote, then there needs to be a reasonable time frame to alert citizens to this new requirement. That means such a measure cannot apply to this election.
One other thing. There is a law that allows for purging of voters from voter rolls to ensure accuracy in those voter rolls. There needs to be better structure to that process with provisions to reregistering if one is removed.
That practice of purging voting rolls is a regular practice by Republicans of Blue States. Why is it not a practice by Democrats of Red States? Perhaps there should be a uniform time frame where all states are required to purge voter rolls so that citizens find incentive to vote regularly and avoid “the purge.” Most people I know are surprised to hear such a purge exists.
But, as to Arizona, they need to trust their citizens instead of a high level of mistrust. Such a change in voting regulations, proof of citizenship at the time of voting must have sufficient notice to citizens and I don’t see it being imposed for the 2024 elections.
And, by the way, state IDs require proof of citizenship. The demand now by Arizona is redundancy. I do believe the Paperwork Reduction Act comes into view for enforcement with states that demand redundancy in voting regulations.
Birth certificates are costing at least $20 per certificate these days, with some states asking more of citizens.
