I don't think picture ID matters so much as signatures as a record or a fingerprint. Photo IDs can be manipulated before the person places their ballot. Fingerprint or signature at the time of the balloting can't be manipulated. Signatures at the time of balloting is a legal record.
Photo IDs presented at the time of balloting leaves no record of the proof. It seems to me photo IDs for balloting would encourage ID fraud and not deter it
because it does not provide a permanent record. To require both photo ID and signature is redundant and burdensome.
If the states are worried about ballot roles due to the deceased and/or imprisoned persons issues then they need to formulate a solution that actually works to target those registrations. Simply purging should be noted to be manipulation to effect the vote.
The finger print is absolute proof of the person placing the vote whether or not they are committing fraud. It also places an identity that is traceable. It has its own problematic implications though. Fingerprints are serious proof of location and identity it is frequently objected to as a method of identity in transactions. Transactions, whether they involve financial or otherwise is considered an economic transaction and not a criminal act. So, the fingerprint carries brevity that other forms of ID such as a signature does not.
What to Bring
Make sure you bring your Michigan driver’s license, or a Michigan personal identification card.
If you do not have either of these things, you can show any of the following forms of picture identification as long as they are current:
- Driver’s license or personal
identification card issued by another state. - Federal or state government-issued photo identification.
- U.S. passport.
- Military identification card with photo.
- Student with photo – from a high school or an
accredited institution of higher education. - Tribal identification card with photo.
If you don’t have a photo ID, then the voter can sign an affidavit attesting that you’re not in possession of picture identification.
For first time voters, make sure you bring one of the following:
- Current and
valid photo ID or - A valid paycheck stub with your name and address, or
- Utility bill with your name and address, or
- Bank statement with your name and address
- Government document that lists your name and address.
If you have additional questions about voting in Michigan, please contact the MI Secretary of State at (888) SOS-MICH or see here
