So...here in the great state of MN...we are wrestling with the requirement to use a photo ID to be eligible to vote. Currently you have to have some proof of address (a bill) or possibly just know your name and address once you are registered. Lots of strong opinions for and against.
I'm not clear on the against part. Why is this a big deal to have to prove who you are? But for some it is a shot against liberty, and I'm not understanding. Any thoughts on this?

In Florida we must possess some form of photo ID to vote. Some would say this is like a voting tax which puts undue pressure on poor residents. The current cost for a valid photo ID is $25 http://www.flhsmv.gov/DHSMVFees.htm In the past many different tactics have been used to exclude the poor or minorities from voting in this country so when you place requirements on voting rights people get nervous.

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I think the overall idea is to keep illegal immigrants from voting and to make sure that no one votes twice. They could also be using the driver's license number to help keep track of how many ballets there are supposed to be to help prevent having to recount several times.

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Jax - I believe that the Minnesota Voter ID legislation is written to provide free IDs as is the one in Wisconsin.

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I think the allegations of voter fraud that seem to proliferate after every national if not state and local election warrents some means of verifying the eligibility of an individual to vote in an election. The standard "joke?????" in Illinois are that Chicago encourages people to "Vote Early and Vote Often" and that candidates are always seeking the "Graveyard" vote. For the sake of our Democracy / Republic, I think people should have some assurance that their vote really means something.

Might even work to place a mandatory fine of some huge amount ($100,000 or $1,000,000) if you're caught fraudulently voting, and, possibly a jail term of 5 or 10 years PER illegal vote with no chance for parole (although I'd hate to pay the cost of keeping them in jail).

It is essential that for Democratic process to occur, the vote truly reflects the will of the people. (Sounds lovely, doesn't it?)

Votes should be cast once only by people who are legitimately able and never by those who are not.

Facial recognition technology is reaching the point where the face of the votor, their ID and the ID used to get the voting ID can be verified.

The right to vote is withdrawn from some (felons).

Perhaps the focus should be on mobile polling apparatus for those who cannot make it to the booths, the infirm and ill.

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