May 12th, 2008
Posted by Suzanne Ito, ACLU at 2:34pm	Voting Rights

News from the Show-Me-Your-Papers State

Just when you think there couldn't be anything worse-or more ridiculous-than an unnecessary voter ID requirement to stave off the nonexistent problem of in-person voter fraud at polling places, the Missouri House of Representatives is trying to do the Supreme Court and the state of Indiana one better: they're trying to pass an amendment to the state's constitution that would require proof of citizenship to vote. That's right, not just a state ID: an original birth certificate, naturalization papers, or passport will be required for anyone who registers to vote. If this measure passes the state senate this week, Missourians will vote on the amendment in the primary for the governor's race in August, and if it passes, the requirement will take effect before this year's presidential election.

Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan opposes the amendment, citing that it could prevent approximately 240,000 eligible Missourians from casting a vote because they can't get prove their citizenship. She adds that there have been no cases of voter impersonation fraud in the state.

Arizona passed a similar measure back in 2004; it's been tied up in the courts since it passed, and has never taken effect. The case, Intertribal Council of Ariz. Inc. v. Brewer, is awaiting trial in district court; the ACLU's Voting Rights Project and the ACLU of Arizona are part of the coalition that's suing the state.

Last week during its Democratic primary, Indiana had the dubious distinction of refusing the vote to a group of nuns in their 80s and 90s because they didn't have government-issued IDs. The nuns have said they will try to get the proper IDs before the November election, but unfortunately, none of them drive, so that's going to be a challenge in itself.

Cognizant of this event, the Joplin Globe reports:

...Diana Oleskevich, justice coordinator for the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, nonetheless expressed concerns. She said a 'significant number of bright, intelligent women' in that St. Louis-based religious community 'long ago gave up driving. 'They're in their 80s and 90s now and are hard pressed to get the documents they need to vote,' she said.

Suppressing the nun vote: Just icing on the cake of unconstitutional voting rights restriction.

Permalink |	Voting Rights

1. Anonymous Says:
   May 20th, 2008 at 8:31pm

   I've been doing a lot of thinking about the Democratic primaries. The more I think about it, the more I think the outcome was predetermined. The method that was used is simple. They arranged the primaries to give Obama such a large lead that all the Superdeligates just flocked to his corner. I wonder what would have happened if states like PA, Ohio, or W. Virginia would have been placed between the 11 states that he won in a row. Just a thought

2. Saren Says:
   May 23rd, 2008 at 10:39am

   Where is the outrage about the disenfranchisement of over 1 miilion voters in Florida primary.

   If "rules are rules" is the assumption, Rosa Parks would have given up her seat willingly and the Civil Rights Act would never have passed.

3. Elisabeth Ellenbogen Says:
   May 26th, 2008 at 1:04pm

   People who do not drive have to present ourselves to the regional office of the Department of Transportation to obtain a non-driver ID. Also a fee has to be paid. For a person who cannot see getting there may be difficult. A poor person may have better use of sparse resources. If the individual does not plan to fly on an airplane the State-issued ID requirement is a de-facto poll tax!

4. Big Mouth Films Says:
   Jun 23rd, 2008 at 3:34pm

   The new documentary from Big Mouth Films, "Election Day," focuses on the current state of the polls in America and may be of interest to you, as it highlights issues of voter rights all over the U.S. It follows an eclectic group of voters over one day, namely Election Day 2004, from the early morning until well after midnight. Capturing people from all walks of life, including an ex-felon voting for the first time at age 50 and a factory worker debating gay marriage with his co-workers, the film presents a glimpse of the real life stories that lie underneath the complex electoral process. Let's focus on the polls before November!

   The documentary will air at 10pm on Tuesday, July 1st, 2008 on PBS's P.O.V. series (check local listings pbs.org/pov/tvschedule.php).

   See the trailer and learn more at electiondaythemovie.com/

5. michael Says:
   Jun 26th, 2008 at 3:18pm

   i can see how the ACLU would be annoyed at the states wanting to prevent voter fraud. I mean, if those that are inelgible to vote couldn't vote, it could rob the Democrats a victory in Novemeber.....

6. Julio Ortiz Says:
   Jun 29th, 2008 at 1:19pm

   TO all Black Ex-ofenders!! we have the seing Rigth the withe people have Ex-ofenders My rigth to have a license of security office was deny for my recos 20 yeas ago can you now help me to be work agueing Have my license restore like all Ex-ofender .

7. Julio Ortiz Says:
   Jun 29th, 2008 at 1:22pm

   If eny vady up there help me to my license be restore can email me a juliofuentes@live.con Thank all, and the Govenor!! For restore our Rigth to vote and work