■ 06 February 2012 | 12:00 AM
Needless expense
Requiring government-issued photo IDs at the polls will not only make it impossible for poor people to vote, it is fiscally irresponsible. Virginia has a $2 billion budget shortfall; the cost of implementing photo ID is between $9.73 million and $29.1 million. That’s a lot of money to solve a problem that doesn´t exist.
There is no history of voter fraud in Virginia. These laws are designed to keep people entitled to vote from voting.
Lindsey Watts
Virginia Beach
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No
If they really dug into it, I don't doubt there would be evidence of voter fraud. It is not an issue of disenfranchisement but of making certain that our voting process ISN'T tainted with the possibility of fraud.
Why is it we require people to have photo IDs when they board a plane, to drive, buy alcohol or cigarettes, cash checks but yet somehow people aren't required to show one to vote?
If people can have money for luxuries such as cigarettes and alcohol they certainly can afford the few dollars it costs to get a photo ID.
No ID's
I don't believe the Most people whether rich or poor don't have ID's. This simply can't be true. A Photo ID is necessary when cashing a check at a Bank or Store. Even with the Welfare credit cards, ID is necessary at times. So what is the big deal ???
"There is no history of voter fraud in Virginia."
How would you know if we haven't been checking for it?
You said, "we haven't been checking for [voter fraud]"
If that's true, and therefore we have not established that there is voter fraud, what's the purpose of this legislation aimed at stopping something that no one has established that it even exists? Hint: that's a rhetorical question.
Voter IDs
Your letter is dead on! It is aimed at a certain part of the population that wouldnt support a right wing cause. It seems only fair that any Virginia Resident that cant afford an ID be furnished one just for voting at the cost to the state. This is just one of several laws which this new assembly is floating around from abortion to tolls not to mention arming yourself.
ID?
Doesn't the welfare office need to see some form of government issued ID? How about the unemployment office? Heck, I need an id to buy beer in some stores, and I'm obviously older than 21 (by a long shot).
Any resident that cannot afford an ID is provided one free of charge...and it's not just for voting.