[richardknop]

That's implementation problem, not an argument against making sure only eligible citizens can vote.

Why not have a national ID like in some European countries? Issue it at age of 15, you can go to a government office with parents when you are 15 and get your ID.

You can pass a sensible legislation for this. Have a grace period of 2 election cycles to allow all the people who want to vote enough time to get their ID (10 years is more than enough time to prove your address).

[bluGill]

Why do you need to have an address? What is wrong with being homeless?

[richardknop]

I was reacting to the parent comment. For some reason in Northern Ireland example cited there proof of address was required.

Government can issue IDs without proof of address. This is matter of implementation. For national election at least you shouldn't need it. For local elections it should be required.

[feintruled]

Governments can and do issue ID using whatever criteria they see fit. But the lesser the criteria the weaker the proof. I mean, you need a photo at least, right? And presumably some means of proving that photo is you (for passports in UK you have to get a doctor or similar person of authority to sign a declaration). So it's not such a simple matter.

[richardknop]

In my country where everybody has a national ID, you go to police station when you turn 15 to pick it up. You don't have proof of address when you are 15 because you live with your parents. So they send letter to the address of parents.