It seems as though I keep having the same conversation over and over. Someone will ask me who I believe will win the presidential election and it ends up becoming an argument. Depending on the time of the year, I’ll say _____. After I say this, I usually follow up with something like, “I think that ____ will win the most electoral votes, but I’m not so sure that is actually representative of who America wants to be the next president.” Suddenly, a lighthearted question becomes a very serious one. Normally the person doesn’t say anything and waits for me to explain how millions of Americans will not be able to vote in the election because the state they live in requires a government-issued photo ID to do so. Almost immediately, I receive cries of, “That’s not true! The government wants us to vote!” Ah, but see… the government only wants some of us to vote. I realize that this is something people don’t like to hear… but here is the truth. Here is what the government does not tell you.
In 2016’s presidential election, 31 states are enforcing the use of voter identification. 16 of these states require government-issued photo ID and the other 15 states will accept an alternate form of ID. The 16 states that require strict identification are disenfranchising the elderly, racial minorities, and the disabled by enforcing these stringent laws. It is blatant discrimination. Some may argue that it is simple to obtain a photo ID, but that is not the case. Getting an ID of this kind requires transportation, money, and the time to be able to get one. These resources are things that this group of people may have very little access to, if at all. Indiana is one of these strict requirement states and mandates that residents provide payment, a social security card, and proof of identity, lawful status, and residency in order to receive their photo ID. You must also apply in person- appointments are not permitted and the state will not accept online, phone, or mail applications. Let me make my point clear: I am not arguing that identification should not be required to vote; it should be required. Verifying a person’s identity protects the election from voter fraud. However, it should be easier to obtain the required documents to vote. 21 million Americans don’t have a government-issued ID due to the issues described above. Millions of these people live in the strict requirement states and will not be able to vote in November. All elections now and in the future will be not representative of who voters actually want in office until the voting system is made fair for all.
