Elderly, minorities’ voting rights would suffer with photo ID’s
On the eve of a major election in Pennsylvania, legislation is being considered that would substantially limit the right of citizens to vote. Senate Bill 824, currently before the Senate Rules Committee, would require, for the first time, that all voters produce a voter registration card or a photo identification before exercising their most fundamental Constitutional right. This requirement would be a throwback to the bad old days when the government actively erected obstacles at the voting booth thereby denying the right to vote to women, racial and ethnic minorities and the poor.
On its face, this may seem like a pretty reasonable and straightforward requirement. Many of us carry valid drivers’ licenses and complying would be, at most, an inconvenience.
However, consider the effect on citizens who do not have such identification. The ramifications are far-reaching. Such a requirement would violate federal law, breach the right of citizens to vote, limit voter participation and disenfranchise the elderly, minorities and the poor in a disproportionate manner. This was the conclusion of the Federal Election Commission when it issued its 1997 report to Congress concerning a potential photo-identification requirement.
It is extremely important that the elderly and those with limited resources be afforded every opportunity to vote. Many of the most important decisions that state government makes concerning education funding, health care and public protection directly affect these voters.
Studies also indicate that minority voters are four to five times more likely to be adversely affected by a photo-identification requirement. Once any person is discouraged from voting, he or she is not likely to return.
The pending bill would essentially reverse the efforts of the last 50 years to extend the right to vote to racial and ethnic minorities, women and the poor.
Senior voters would also be hurt by this requirement. Many voluntarily surrender their driving privileges for a variety of reasons – costs, inconvenience or health reasons. This voluntary choice should not shut them out of the voting booth. Pennsylvania AARP and its 1.8 million members have advised each member of the General Assembly that it opposes the photo identification requirements.
Only one other state requires voters to produce photo-identification without providing any ability to waive this requirement – South Carolina – a state whose history with voting rights is so poor it is required to submit any proposed changes of its elections laws to the U. S. Department of Justice for pre-approval. Voting is one of the most important freedoms and responsibilities that we have as citizens. Our laws should encourage greater voter participation, not place unnecessary and ill-conceived impediments to voting.
State Sen. Jay Costa is a Democrat, representing Allegheny County.