Thread: MI:Voters without ID card can still cast ballot

Monday, October 29, 2007
Voters without ID card can still cast ballot
They will need to sign form to vote when Mich. law takes effect Nov. 6.
Mark Hornbeck / Detroit News Lansing Bureau
A Michigan law requiring voters to present picture identification will take effect for the first time in next week's local elections -- but registered voters who show up at the polls that day without ID will be allowed to cast their ballots anyway.

They will, however, need to sign a document saying they have no picture ID with them. This permanent provision will apply to voters who don't possess the proper identification as well as those who just left their wallets at home.

"We are unique among the states with voter ID laws," said Kelly Chesney, spokeswoman for Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land. "Our law recognizes that not all voters will have photo ID. And unlike other states, those who sign affidavits will not have their ballots set aside. They are counted that day."

Michigan is among two dozen states that mandate some kind of voter identification. But with the alternative that allows voters to sign the "no ID" alternative, this state's law is more forgiving than some.

Michigan's voter ID law was enacted by the Legislature in 1996 but never implemented because of an attorney general's ruling that it was unconstitutional. The Michigan Supreme Court, however, decided in July that a law requiring voters to either show a picture ID or sign an affidavit is constitutional and enforceable.

A driver's license, U.S. passport, state- or federally issued photo identification, school IDs and military picture IDs are among the acceptable forms of identification. The law does not apply to absentee balloting.

The change remains controversial and is opposed by civil rights and civil liberties groups who say it will depress turnout among minority and urban voters who are less likely to own a picture ID and will be intimidated by the requirement.

"The ACLU and the NAACP oppose this law," said Michael Steinberg, legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan. "Supposedly the intent behind it was to stop voter fraud. But there is no evidence in Michigan of significant voter fraud."

Steinberg added that the implementation language issued by the Secretary of State is too vague, doesn't clearly state that voters who forgot their ID at home can cast ballots, and discriminates against some religious groups that prohibit revealing the female face or object to the word "swear" in the affidavit statement.

Oakland County Clerk Ruth Johnson counters that the law protects the integrity of Michigan elections.

"It's an extra step, but it preserves a security system for the freedoms we have," Johnson said. "We have to have faith in the electoral system so people will vote.

"Presenting ID is part of life today. Democracy is not a spectator's sport. Voters have responsibilities."

State and local elections officials said they're thankful that the law is being implemented for the first time in a light election year. There are no statewide or federal elections on the ballot. There are elections in municipalities in 75 of the state's 83 counties, but many cities and townships have none scheduled.

Nov. 6 will be almost like a practice round for much heavier election turnouts expected in next year's Jan. 15 presidential primary and November presidential general election, said Walter Blessed, city clerk in Sterling Heights, where citizens will elect a mayor and fill six City Council seats a week from Tuesday.

"I don't think it's going to be a big burden because we have a light election," Blessed said.

"Some people think it's a good idea to have voter ID, some don't. I just hope it doesn't become contentious. I don't think it will."

Secretary of State officials and local clerks say the state has conducted extensive training so poll workers will know how to execute the new rules.

"We have been working very hard to minimize confusion and prepare for a smooth and orderly rollout," Chesney said.

Macomb County Clerk Carmella Sabaugh said she thinks the voter ID law will be a problem "in some areas of the state where people who don't have ID will be intimidated and won't come out to vote."

"Here we are trying to get people to vote, and this seems like another roadblock," Sabaugh added. "It could be a big problem in next year's presidential elections when there are long lines at the polls.

"We just need for people to understand that if they don't have a photo ID, they can still vote."

You can reach Mark Hornbeck at (313) 222-2470 or mhornbeck@detnews.com.

http://detroitnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/ar ... /710290340

These people are just crying out for a lawless country, they do not like laws or rules of any kind.

For crying out loud it is not that expensive to get a picture ID from the DMV, and if they can get to the voting booth they can get to the DMV.

How about requireing every citizen to go to the DMV and get a picture ID card, then sign a affidavit they can not afford to pay for it and the state will, whats the excuse going to be then!!

CRAP PURE CRAP!!!

"But there is no evidence in Michigan of significant voter fraud."

What exactly is that supposed to mean? In my book, any voter fraud is significant!

If I ever found out a fraudulent voter cancelled out my vote, I'd be pissed!

Wonderful.....what's next? They put out national print and video ads touting the fact that illegals can storm Michigan and fraudulently vote for their favorite OBL candidate?

If anyone has a problem with the laws in the US, they can exercise another of our inalienable rights - the right to LEAVE!

I think this is a reasonable solution, because that affidativ can be checked with Election Boards. If someone states they are eligible to vote and it's discovered they are not, they are subject to full punishment by law. This takes care of illegal aliens trying to vote.

Voting is for citizens of the USA over 18 years of age ONLY!

There are more cases of voter fraud confirmed than disenfranchised voters. In fact, I don't know of a single case of a voter not being able to vote but there are plenty of fraud cases rolling around.

Dixie

"We just need for people to understand that if they don't have a photo ID, they can still vote."

And the commies, OBL'ers, left-wing radicals, and all the "agenda" people breathed a sigh of relief!

They can't produce ONE person that cannot get a ID. Apparently what they are saying is minorities won't take the time to do so. If that's the case, then they really don't care much about voting. There is no evidence that minorities and the so called "poor and urban" have a lesser number of ID's than anyone else.

It's all about voter fraud....making sure it can still be carried out. After all that's the only way some people get elected.