A Solution in Search of a Problem???

We have someone else now chiming in on the bill to require voters to present photo id's. She has the audacity to say we are rushing into things.

MADISON… Senator Lena Taylor (D-Milwaukee) said Thursday that a bill requiring voters to present photo identification was being rushed through the legislature before an audit could determine if the so-called reform would help or hinder the state election process.

How in the world would it 'hinder'?

“We all want to ensure that elections are administered properly and fairly,” said Senator Taylor. “But this bill is rushing forward with a proposed cure before anyone has even diagnosed the disease.” Senator Taylor testified Thursday before the Assembly Committee on Campaigns and Elections. The committee held a public hearing on Assembly Bill 63 (AB 63), which requires all voters to provide a photo identification card from the state Department of Transportation or a military-issued ID in order to vote.

Over 40 other states require it. Why do we need to do a study?

While the legislature is debating this proposal, state auditors are preparing to join both local and federal investigators to examine voting procedures in place during the November 2004 election. At this early stage in the investigation, most parties involved have cited the cause of many of the problems to be human error rather than a deliberate attempt by any citizen to commit voter fraud.

Now do you think it is really 'just' human error Lena?

Senator Taylor said the proposed legislation was particularly troublesome because it is not yet known if a photo ID requirement would have addressed the problems being investigated.

Well of course they would have. Do you think we have rocks for brains?

“Wisconsin has a proud tradition of encouraging public participation in elections. I am afraid that Assembly Bill 63 represents a major step backward. We must not be swayed to restrict the constitutional rights of our citizens based solely upon the perceived fear of voter fraud. There is simply no evidence that requiring voters to present photo ID at the polls is anything other than an unnecessary burden on our most vulnerable citizens,” Sen. Taylor said.

Lena, What about the constitutional right to a free and FAIR election?

The Department of Transportation estimates that at least 130,000 Wisconsin citizens lack the photo ID required by AB 63. Most likely to be disenfranchised by the bill are the elderly, disabled, ethnic minority, student and homeless citizens.

In it there are provisions to provide FREE ID's to those who can't afford it. They have at least 2 years to go get one before the next major election.

“Lacking any evidence that a photo ID requirement would help our election process, it would be positively shameful to move forward with legislation that restricts the constitutional rights of any group of citizens,” Sen. Taylor concluded.

Haven't the events that have already been documented enough?

See Press Release Here