Voter ID laws and access to valid identification

[GannonFan]

Man, Jelly bobs up again above the surface, only to be dunked yet again in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary of his assertions.

[CID1990]

A clear case of confirmation bias for Jelly and the rest of the progtard brigade.

No critical thinking at all

[AZGrizFan]

Man, Jelly bobs up again above the surface, only to be dunked yet again in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary of his assertions.

It's like a fun game of whack-a-mole.

[JohnStOnge]

Intellectual honesty dictates that I report that the author noted an error in his original article and adjusting for that error changes things a little. Here's the error correction from the author:

Correction: A previous version of this column included Limestone County on the map above and reported that 29 counties would be without a driver's license office. The Limestone County office will be closed only on Oct. 2, not indefinitely.

Limestone county is the second most populous of those originally indicated on the map at 90,787 population and it is only 13.5 percent Black. So when you remove it the percent Black among the combined population of counties without drivers license offices, 27.6, is slightly HIGHER than the 26.7 overall State Black percentage. The percent non Hispanic White of the combined no-office counties, 67.1 percent is still slightly higher than the 66.2 percent non Hispanic White of the entire State.

But obviously there was no conspiracy to disproportionately disadvantage Blacks. And it's interesting to note, given the reference to a "Black Belt," that there's a "White Cluster" of counties up there in the northwest corner of the State. The combined population of the four counties in that northwestern corner of Alabama includes about a third of the overall combined population of the 28 counties without offices and the combined population of those four counties is 83.2% non Hispanic White. The percent Black populations of the four counties are 1.0, 4.6 10.4, and 11.4. The combined population of those four northwestern counties is 8.3 percent Black.

[Pwns]

I love the crunching noise facts and logic make when crushing racism allegations.

[Ibanez]

I love the crunching noise facts and logic make when crushing racism allegations.

'Sadly, allegations carry more weight than facts, when it comes to politics.

[89Hen]

I love the crunching noise facts and logic make when crushing racism allegations.

I'm about to love the silence from our friends.

[Skjellyfetti]

The U.S. Department of Justice and the state of Alabama have entered an agreement to resolve claims that Alabama failed to provide voter registration opportunities when people signed up for new or renewed driver licenses.

DOJ officials had threatened to sue Alabama for violation of the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) of 1993, Al.com had reported last month.

Section 5 of the NVRA, known as the "motor voter" provision, requires states to provide voter registration opportunities for federal elections when people apply for or seek to renew driver's licenses or other identification documents through state motor vehicle offices, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office.

In an investigation DOJ's Civil Rights Division found widespread noncompliance with the requirements of Section 5 of the NVRA in the state of Alabama, the press release states.

Applications for Alabama driver's licenses, learner's licenses, identification cards and vessel licenses did not serve as applications for voter registration with respect to elections for federal office, as required by the NVRA. Moreover, the procedures by which citizens notify motor vehicle authorities that their address has changed did not serve as notification of a change of address for voter registration purposes, as the NVRA requires, the press release states.

"Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy," said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Civil Rights Division. "We commend the state of Alabama for working quickly and cooperatively with the department to ensure that eligible Alabama citizens can register to vote and update their registration information through motor vehicle agencies, with the convenience they deserve and the ease of access the law requires."

Under the terms of the settlement, Alabama will fully integrate a voter registration opportunity into all applications for driver's licenses and other identification documents, including renewal applications, both in person and online. Alabama will also ensure that change of address information submitted for driver's license purposes will be used to update voters' address information unless the voter declines to update her voter registration. In order to provide a voter registration opportunity for Alabama residents who did not receive the opportunity to register when last applying for or renewing a driver's license or other identification document, Alabama will contact all eligible voters who are not currently registered to vote at the address associated with a driver's license or other identification document. Alabama is beginning to implement interim procedures that will increase voter registration opportunities while the state integrates voter registration into its electronic motor vehicle systems.

"It is essential for every citizen in our democracy to have a full opportunity to exercise his or her right to vote," U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance of the Northern District of Alabama stated in the press release.

"The agreement concluded today between the Justice Department and the state of Alabama moves our state forward towards compliance with the 'motor-voter' Act, which was enacted in 1993, and will make it easier for citizens to register and maintain their voter registration while applying for and renewing drivers' licenses. We appreciate the dedication from our colleagues in the Civil Rights Division as well as Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange's commitment to achieving compliance with section 5 of the NVRA."

U.S. Attorney George L. Beck Jr. of the Middle District of Alabama commended the state for good faith negotiations and for ensuring full implementation of the motor voter provision.

"I would also applaud the commitment by the Secretary of State, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the Alabama Attorney General and the Governor for their diligent efforts, committing resources and designing software to provide access to voter registration through the driver's license process," Beck stated in the press release.

U.S. Attorney Kenyen R. Brown of the Southern District of Alabama also stated in the press releas that "there is no more fundamental right of citizenship in our democracy than the right to vote ... I am pleased that the state of Alabama has taken steps to come into compliance with the requirements of the law as it relates to the National Voter Registration Act."

http://www.al.com/news/birmingham/index ... o_com.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Baldy]

The U.S. Department of Justice and the state of Alabama have entered an agreement to resolve claims that Alabama failed to provide voter registration opportunities when people signed up for new or renewed driver licenses.

DOJ officials had threatened to sue Alabama for violation of the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) of 1993, Al.com had reported last month.

Section 5 of the NVRA, known as the "motor voter" provision, requires states to provide voter registration opportunities for federal elections when people apply for or seek to renew driver's licenses or other identification documents through state motor vehicle offices, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office.

In an investigation DOJ's Civil Rights Division found widespread noncompliance with the requirements of Section 5 of the NVRA in the state of Alabama, the press release states.

Applications for Alabama driver's licenses, learner's licenses, identification cards and vessel licenses did not serve as applications for voter registration with respect to elections for federal office, as required by the NVRA. Moreover, the procedures by which citizens notify motor vehicle authorities that their address has changed did not serve as notification of a change of address for voter registration purposes, as the NVRA requires, the press release states.

"Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy," said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Civil Rights Division. "We commend the state of Alabama for working quickly and cooperatively with the department to ensure that eligible Alabama citizens can register to vote and update their registration information through motor vehicle agencies, with the convenience they deserve and the ease of access the law requires."

Under the terms of the settlement, Alabama will fully integrate a voter registration opportunity into all applications for driver's licenses and other identification documents, including renewal applications, both in person and online. Alabama will also ensure that change of address information submitted for driver's license purposes will be used to update voters' address information unless the voter declines to update her voter registration. In order to provide a voter registration opportunity for Alabama residents who did not receive the opportunity to register when last applying for or renewing a driver's license or other identification document, Alabama will contact all eligible voters who are not currently registered to vote at the address associated with a driver's license or other identification document. Alabama is beginning to implement interim procedures that will increase voter registration opportunities while the state integrates voter registration into its electronic motor vehicle systems.

"It is essential for every citizen in our democracy to have a full opportunity to exercise his or her right to vote," U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance of the Northern District of Alabama stated in the press release.

"The agreement concluded today between the Justice Department and the state of Alabama moves our state forward towards compliance with the 'motor-voter' Act, which was enacted in 1993, and will make it easier for citizens to register and maintain their voter registration while applying for and renewing drivers' licenses. We appreciate the dedication from our colleagues in the Civil Rights Division as well as Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange's commitment to achieving compliance with section 5 of the NVRA."

U.S. Attorney George L. Beck Jr. of the Middle District of Alabama commended the state for good faith negotiations and for ensuring full implementation of the motor voter provision.

"I would also applaud the commitment by the Secretary of State, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the Alabama Attorney General and the Governor for their diligent efforts, committing resources and designing software to provide access to voter registration through the driver's license process," Beck stated in the press release.

U.S. Attorney Kenyen R. Brown of the Southern District of Alabama also stated in the press releas that "there is no more fundamental right of citizenship in our democracy than the right to vote ... I am pleased that the state of Alabama has taken steps to come into compliance with the requirements of the law as it relates to the National Voter Registration Act."

http://www.al.com/news/birmingham/index ... o_com.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Jeezus Christ...one would think that, of anyone, a fucking US Attorney would know that there is no such thing as a "fundamental right to vote".

[Chizzang]

Jeezus Christ...one would think that, of anyone, a fucking US Attorney would know that there is no such thing as a "fundamental right to vote".

Agreed,
There are far too many folks who think we're a Democracy - and forget - we are a Republic
History tells us that pretty much all Democracies fail
The historical record is not good

[Skjellyfetti]

Jeezus Christ...one would think that, of anyone, a fucking US Attorney would know that there is no such thing as a "fundamental right to vote".

Well, it's in the constitution 5 times... in 4 separate amendments.

If you're after a semantic battle over "fundamental"... then I'll pass.

History tells us that pretty much all Democracies fail
The historical record is not good

Yawn. This shit again?

We're both a Democracy and a Republic.

They aren't mutually exclusive.

[89Hen]

I just find it interesting you'd post this on a thread where you got your ass handed to you.

[Chizzang]

Yawn. This shit again?

We're both a Democracy and a Republic.

They aren't mutually exclusive.

No actually we're not... If you can clearly explain how an electoral college works then I will begin to explain how that by definition excludes us from any simply defined "Democracy"

We are a Republic my friend
and until Citizens Vote on Laws
and Citizens can over rule the Judicial Branch
Which ^ They can't and they don't - we will continue to be a Republic

The only thing Citizens vote on is who holds local offices
Beyond that "The Republic" Kicks in...

[Baldy]

I just find it interesting you'd post this on a thread where you got your ass handed to you.

...and he's going to get it handed to him again.

[Chizzang]

I just find it interesting you'd post this on a thread where you got your ass handed to you.

...and he's going to get it handed to him again.

I'm just here to help...
The Electoral College makes clear that the Founders fashioned a Republic, not a Democracy....
and it doesn't end there - it goes DEEPER

[Baldy]

Jeezus Christ...one would think that, of anyone, a fucking US Attorney would know that there is no such thing as a "fundamental right to vote".

Well, it's in the constitution 5 times... in 4 separate amendments.

If you're after a semantic battle over "fundamental"... then I'll pass.

It's not semantics. It's just a fact.

It says it plainly in the Constitution that the individual states control elections and who can vote in those elections. The four separate amendments you mention only tell the states what they can't do in regards to equal protection.

In Bush v Gore, the SCOTUS states, “The individual citizen has no federal constitutional right to vote for electors for the President of the United States unless and until the state legislature chooses a statewide election as the means to implement its power to appoint members of the Electoral College.”

[Skjellyfetti]

Y'all do realize there is more to voting and our democratic republic than the presidential election, right?

Just because we vote for electors in the presidential election doesn't mean we don't directly vote on issues as well.

Ever heard of a ballot measure or referendum? That's pure democracy.

Again. We aren't a pure democracy. And I never claimed as much.

We have both elements of a democracy AND a republic.

The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State

The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State

The right of citizens of the United States to vote in any primary or other election for President or Vice President, for electors for President or Vice President, or for Senator or Representative in Congress, shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State

The right of citizens of the United States, who are eighteen years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State

[Baldy]

Y'all do realize there is more to voting and our democratic republic than the presidential election, right?

Just because we vote for electors in the presidential election doesn't mean we don't directly vote on issues as well.

Ever heard of a ballot measure or referendum? That's pure democracy.

Again. We aren't a pure democracy. And I never claimed as much.

We have both elements of a democracy AND a republic.

The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State

The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State

The right of citizens of the United States to vote in any primary or other election for President or Vice President, for electors for President or Vice President, or for Senator or Representative in Congress, shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State

The right of citizens of the United States, who are eighteen years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State

Ya'll who?

All I'm telling you is the fact that there is no inherent nor fundamental right for anyone to vote in federal elections, period.

You posting those amendments only proves my point. The intent of those amendments were to put limitations on the states as far as equal protections are concerned.

I'll even let your friends at Politifact help you...

"Nothing in the Constitution explicitly guarantees our right to vote."

— Mark Pocan on Monday, May 13th, 2013 in a speech

U.S. Constitution is not explicit on the right to vote, Wisconsin Rep. Mark Pocan says

There was news out of the U.S. Capitol on May 13, 2013 that U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Madison, proposed to amend the Constitution to ...

Guarantee the right to vote.

Wait, what?

Pocan hasn't been in Congress even half a year. But he knows we have the right to vote, doesn’t he?

In presenting his bill, which is co-sponsored by U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison, D-Minn., Pocan said he wanted to make it more difficult for states to impose rules on voting, such as having to present a photo identification in order to cast a ballot. We won’t take up here what impact their proposed amendment might have.

But Pocan gave us pause when he said on the House floor:

The right to vote "is so fundamental that most Americans, understandably, assume it is already enshrined in the Constitution" -- but "most Americans would be wrong."

"While the right to vote is inherent throughout our founding document, and there are amendments prohibiting discrimination, nothing in the Constitution explicitly guarantees our right to vote. We, as Americans, possess no affirmative right to vote."

Words matter, and Pocan’s claim -- that "nothing in the Constitution explicitly guarantees our right to vote" -- is precisely worded.

Still, is he right?

[CitadelGrad]

Jesus Christ, analjelly. Just stop while you are behind.

[GannonFan]

I feel bad for jelly. He's like a kid that just keeps picking at scabs and he never really heals from threads like these.

[dbackjon]

It's funny how the righties all circle-jerk each other and declare victory when it is clear that they lost.


The GOP tactic across the country, funded by the Koch brothers, is to try to make voting as difficult as possible. This anti-American attempt to thwart our system of government is cheered on by the anti-American posters on this board. Sickening.


All TRUE and PATRIOTIC Americans should embrace:

Automatic Voter Registration
National Voting Holidays
Vote by Mail

[CID1990]

It's funny how the righties all circle-jerk each other and declare victory when it is clear that they lost.


The GOP tactic across the country, funded by the Koch brothers, is to try to make voting as difficult as possible. This anti-American attempt to thwart our system of government is cheered on by the anti-American posters on this board. Sickening.


All TRUE and PATRIOTIC Americans should embrace:

Automatic Voter Registration
National Voting Holidays
Vote by Mail

#1 and #2 - yep

#3 - this government doesn't have the competence to prevent massive fraud

New #3: require ID which can be scanned and checked against voter registration

that's called a compromise- one that you flexible liberals would never accept

[clenz]

It's funny how the righties all circle-jerk each other and declare victory when it is clear that they lost.


The GOP tactic across the country, funded by the Koch brothers, is to try to make voting as difficult as possible. This anti-American attempt to thwart our system of government is cheered on by the anti-American posters on this board. Sickening.


All TRUE and PATRIOTIC Americans should embrace:

Automatic Voter Registration
National Voting Holidays
Vote by Mail

#1 and #2 - yep

#3 - this government doesn't have the competence to prevent massive fraud

New #3: require ID which can be scanned and checked against voter registration

that's called a compromise- one that you flexible liberals would never accept

It's racist to require voter ID's to be presented to vote.....

[dbackjon]

It's funny how the righties all circle-jerk each other and declare victory when it is clear that they lost.


The GOP tactic across the country, funded by the Koch brothers, is to try to make voting as difficult as possible. This anti-American attempt to thwart our system of government is cheered on by the anti-American posters on this board. Sickening.


All TRUE and PATRIOTIC Americans should embrace:

Automatic Voter Registration
National Voting Holidays
Vote by Mail

#1 and #2 - yep

#3 - this government doesn't have the competence to prevent massive fraud

New #3: require ID which can be scanned and checked against voter registration

that's called a compromise- one that you flexible liberals would never accept

Can you provide evidence of major voter fraud in Oregon, which conducts all of its ballots via mail?
I don't have as much as an issue with ID requirements as long as they are:

Readily and widely available
Low or no cost
Provides ways for older voters without birth certificates to get them with little hassle.

[HI54UNI]

It's funny how the righties all circle-jerk each other and declare victory when it is clear that they lost.


The GOP tactic across the country, funded by the Koch brothers, is to try to make voting as difficult as possible. This anti-American attempt to thwart our system of government is cheered on by the anti-American posters on this board. Sickening.


All TRUE and PATRIOTIC Americans should embrace:

Automatic Voter Registration
National Voting Holidays
Vote by Mail

HI54UNI's Corollary to Godwin's Law is noted.