Why is this an issue? Everyone I know has one. If you don't (and you are legal) it is relatively easy to get one. Social security card, birth certificate, and show up. So whats the problem? If homelessness is the issue - why not borrow from the middle east and dye fingers. Why do America's (ACLU) have to complicate things? If the real reason is to pander to the ilegal among us - well Sorry!

Is this discussion about requiring a picture ID in general, or to vote?
Z

Very good question Z. My thought process was to vote, but the general ID's, that could really start a discussion too. Any thoughts to either?

Well, since I happen live in Indiana I certainly do!

As far as I am concerned, the requirement to have a valid picture ID to vote (to be decided this year by the Supreme Court) unnecessarily disenfranchises a segment of the population, and if there is a fee (even for a state ID), then it is, in effect, a poll tax. (It has been charged, locally, that the requirement is an attempt by those nasty Republicans to reduce the number of Democratic voters here in Indiana). I do think the argument that the requirement reduces voter fraud is moot at best, at least in Indiana.

And you are very right, the question about whether their should be some sort of national ID or identity card ("Papers? Papers? Do you have papers?"), is certainly something that would be bound to bring up many viewpoints here.
Z

(putting on my moderator hat for a moment: since the arguments for each would probably be much different in kind, it might be best to start a second thread about whether a government should require/issue an national ID card, and if so, what kind of data should be included.)
Z
GM

How does a valid picture ID disenfranchise a segment of the population? Are you not currently required to present your voter registration card when you go vote? What difference would it make if that card had a picture on it?

I agreee - as long as, as Z mentioned, the ID card does not cost anything.

In this day and age of identification theft, having an ID card that specifically identifies a person seems extremely prudent.

Oh, I agree 100%. The cards should not cost the individual anything.

Am a tad confused - for whom are the cards for? Employers? Airlines?

For does not each person already have a Social Insurance Number type card for possible employers and photo ID re driver's licences, etc to fly within one's Country ... and use a Passport to leave and re-enter one's Country?

Not trying for an agrument here - just trying to understand the reasoning behind needing this additional "Picture ID card".

Good Day Everyone,

Just to add my two cents! This is not an easy issue. If you have to have an home address to get the state ID and/or you don't have any bills in your name, then you do need a birth certificate and that cost so if they made it easier and less cumbersome for those who can't pay or don't have home addresses. But, some idea needs to come into play, so everyone thats eligible to vote and wants to vote should be able to. But, I think it has to be necessary that some legitimate ID be presented to vote.

Now on the National ID card thats another subject all together. All I have is second hand info on what this all entails but it does seem to line up with what will be necessary for the New World Order to be able to track the world population.
Jo4Peace

A few answers about the HS REAL ID.

http://www.dhs.gov/xprevprot/laws/gc_1172767635686.shtm

Shades of the Novel 1984.

Get your picture, scanable ID and lump it.

Or get out and vote! "We'll be watching...."

I think it wont be long, and we will all be Micro-chipped. Don't laugh.

I find it odd that the concept of one being who one says the are, and having a method to prove that, is so quickly deemed as sinister.


Does anyone have a better idea or methodology that would help eliminate identity theft (which I would hope we all agree is out of hand) and provide a positive way to identify an individual?

Not laughing at all, that scares the out of me. But I can see it coming. (or maybe I watch too much scifi??) I don't know, but I'm not in favor of it at all. But we do have to find away to ID everybody because honesty seems to be a value of the past.

This post has been edited by Vicki: Jan 12 2008, 10:28 AM

In many states, all that is required to be eligible to vote is a signature on a card that is compared to the signature on file at the precinct roll. It is not necessary to have your voter registration card, your birth certificate, your state ID or driver's licence, or your first-born and ten neighbors as witnesses. Moreover, there are many opportunities to register, often at supermarkets, special events, or on-line; it is simple and at no charge.
By requiring a picture ID, and the kinds of proof needed to secure it, the ability to travel to specific locations, as well as money for its purchase, the State effectively throws obstacles at the feet of some citizens who have every right to participate in free and open elections.
And given. moreover, the ability of people to manufacture or to buy FAKE or COUNTERFEIT IDs, there is absolutely no guarantee that having one assures anyone of the identity of the person presenting it. It is absurd to think that terrorists would not be clever enough to alter or make IDs at their will.
Z