Voter ID law unconstitutional

A proposed bill, which has been suppressed since former Gov. Bev Perdue vetoed it in 2011, is back in the eye of the public. This North Carolina bill requires voters to present one of eight state-issued forms of photo identification.

Identification that costs voters money.

Let’s circle back before 1964. To complete a ballot, voters were charged money to vote, also known as a poll tax.

Those unable to pay weren’t allowed to vote.  The law was directed toward impoverished blacks to deny them the right to vote.

When the 24th amendment passed in ’64, it became illegal to require a federal poll tax. This amendment still stands today.

Voting should be free.

Republicans describe this legislation as a way to protect the integrity of the vote and prevent fraud and corruption.

However, voter fraud is not a widely reported issue. By making it more difficult for Americans to vote, the state is decreasing the number of minority voters, typically Democrats.

Yes, other states have ratified voter ID laws. But if this bill passes, North Carolina will have the strictest law in the U.S.

North Carolina’s proposed bill does make exceptions. The disabled would be exempt, as well as those in financial hardships. Voters would have to sign a document in order for the state to provide necessary documentation to get a photo ID.

It’s a nice gesture, but if the then state finds someone capable of buying an ID, the voter would be charged with a felony offense.

Laura Leslie of WRAL notes that other states have offered free identification to anyone, regardless of their ability to pay.

Students of UNC-school systems and community colleges would be able to present their school IDs, but those attending private schools could not.

Provisional ballots for those without photo ID on Election Day are allowed but would only be valid if the voter returns to an election board before results are official.

This still requires more work on the part of the voter, especially if traveling is difficult.

A report from the State Board of Elections shows that about 9.25 percent of all registered voters in North Carolina lack state-issued photo ID.

Although election officials pointed out the number may be lower due to mismatched records, the numbers cannot be ignored.

Gov. Pat McCrory should recognize what Perdue did in 2011. The bill would disenfranchise many eligible voters, even with certain immunities.