There already is a certain set of barriers to voting, so let's not pretend there isn't. Everyone is free to vote as long as they can handle the barriers. The argument now is how much is too much. Some seem to think proper ID is too much. Others think that is perfectly reasonable. And currently, some form of ID is needed. So the debate goes further as to what is "proper" ID. Is it a state issued ID card? Or is it your water bill?
Are you saying that during the entire time from registering to vote to the point of voting, you never had to identify yourself? I find that odd. How do they even know who you are?
Thanks. I clicked on that. And then the "Massachusetts Mail-in Voter Registration form (PDF) – English" link. In the instructions for that PDF form, #7 says: Federal law requires that you provide your driver’s license number to register to vote. If you do not have a current and valid Massachusetts driver's license, you must provide the last four digits of your social security number. If you have neither, you must write “none” in the box. I'm not sure what they do with the mail in forms that mark "none".
And then I read the questions on that the page you linked to. I found this one interesting: Do I need to attach identification to my voter registration form? The Answer: Yes, if you are registering to vote for the first time in Massachusetts. Because of a federal law, the Help America Vote Act of 2002 passed by Congress, if you registered to vote by mail on or after January 1, 2003, you will be required to show identification when you vote for the first time in a federal election since registering by mail in 2003, or you can send in a copy of your identification with your voter registration form.
Acceptable identification must include your name and the address at which you are registered to vote, for example: a current and valid driver’s license, photo identification, current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, government check, or other government document showing your name and address.
Am I reading this wrong? Because it pretty much sounds like to me that ID is required. Was there some other info I was supposed to find?
Edit: I found this Federal Voter Registration form interesting: http://www.eac.gov/assets/1/Documents/Federal%20Voter%20Regi... If you scroll down beyond the form, it gives a breakdown for each state what is required for Box #6 (which is where the form asks for your ID Number). Seems a lot are asking for ID of some sort. Good info. Thanks for suggesting I do more research.
"Acceptable identification must include your name and the address at which you are registered to vote, for example: a current and valid driver’s license, photo identification, current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, government check, or other government document showing your name and address."
