Warren Watson
First Thoughts
April 29, 2008

Photo ID law bad for voters

Too bad.

At the height of the most intriguing presidential election in years, a campaign that is drawing new registered voters in droves, the U.S. Supreme Court Monday took steps that will discourage potential voters everywhere.

By a 6-3 vote, the high court rejected a challenge to an Indiana law that requires voters to show government-issued photo IDs at the ballot box. More than 20 other states have similar laws.

Sure, possible voter fraud is an important issue – and the subject that inspired the Indiana law in the first place. And it is pretty easy to get an ID; Indiana residents are eligible for a free one if they do not have a driver’s license. But the drafters of that 2006 legislation and the court itself have moved to close down the electoral process at a time when we should enabling as many people as possible to exercise their First Amendment right to vote.

We complain all the time about people young and old eschewing the political process. No wonder. We’re putting needless roadblocks in the way.

Kind of reminds me of the old poll tax, which discouraged voting for many years in many places. But the 24th amendment outlawed such a levy in 1964.

This photo ID law is no poll tax, but it discourages voting in a small way.

Lawmakers and justices should err on the side of full participation. Our democracy deserves better.