[NeoTar]

Voter ID should only be introduced where you have a cheap (ideally free), universal way of proving ID, and multiple ways of establishing identity (what if I’ve just been mugged on the way to the polling station?)

It’s also solving a problem which probably doesn’t exist. The number of arrests / convictions for voter impersonation are next none.

It was introduced recently in the UK, and in the next election, the prime minister at the time the legislation was introduced managed to get caught without ID when trying to vote: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-68947834

[hagbard_c]

Have you ever looked at how many things actually require showing an ID? The list is endless. Nothing is ever heard about that by those who oppose voter ID, why is that?

I live in Sweden where I have to show my ID when I vote. I lived in the Netherlands where I had to show my ID when I voted. Everybody has to, everybody does it, nobody - and I mean nobody - has any problems with this because everybody understands the need.

[NeoTar]

I have spent most of my life in the UK, which has no national ID card and does not typically require one to prove/verify identify on a regular basis. Prior to the introduction of voter ID laws in 2023, typically one would simply need to give their name/address at the polling station, who would have a list of eligible voters for that specific region (in the UK one has an assigned polling station, of which there are around 30.000 total for a population of 70.000.000)

If you require voter ID in such a state (and I believe the US is comparable), you run the risk of systematically disenfranchising groups of people - generally the most poor who are less likely to drive, take vacations requiring a passport, etc.

And, as I mentioned, in the UK at least vote fraud is not, and has never been a problem. You can see the recorded instances of electoral fraud in the UK here: https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/research-reports-and-... - e.g. in 2022 (before vote ID) there were 13 alleged cases and 1 conviction.

[hagbard_c]

Here's 22 things you need a photo ID for in the USA [1]:

1: buying alcohol

2: opening a bank account

3: applying for food stamps

4: applying for Welfare

5: applying for Medicaid and Social Security

6: renting or buying a house

7: buying or renting a car

8: flying on an airplane

9: getting married

10: buying firearms

11: adopting a pet

12: applying for a hunting licence

13: checking in to a hotel

14: applying for a fishing licence

15: buying a cell phone

16: getting prescription medication

17: entering a casino

18: holding a protest or rally (in some places)

19: donating blood

20: buying X-rated video games

21: buying tobacco

22: applying for unemployment benefits

> If you require voter ID in such a state (and I believe the US is comparable), you run the risk of systematically disenfranchising groups of people - generally the most poor who are less likely to drive, take vacations requiring a passport, etc.

Those people already need a photo ID to apply for food stamps, welfare, Medicaid, social security, getting prescription medication and to apply for unemployment benefits. Photo ID (Real ID and Enhanced ID (for those who need to cross over to Canada) are available at U.S. state or territory’s DMV or equivalent agencies, tend to be valid for 8 years and cost between $30-$60.

[1] https://www.stilt.com/immigrants/22-things-that-require-a-ph...

[rsynnott]

This works better in countries with a national ID. The US doesn't have one, and what is acceptable voter ID is often heavily restricted.

Ireland doesn't have a true national ID, and you can be asked for ID when voting; however this has never really become an issue, because practically _anything_ is acceptable as ID. That is very much not the case in some US states which require id to vote.