Over the past couple of weeks we’ve shared three stories of citizens’ onerous experiences in obtaining the identification they need to vote.
In those states that require a government-issued photo ID or in other voter ID states where citizens don't have one of the other listed documents that will enable them to vote, securing a non-driver's license state ID most often involves a trip to their state’s equivalent of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). We all know what fun that can be!
There can be various reasons why the process of getting a voter ID from the DMV may be problematic, e.g., too few branches that are located far away (over 100 miles), open few days (such as the one in Wisconsin that's open only every fifth Wednesday in a month, i.e., four times a year), and open too few or inconvenient hours. Sometimes poorly trained personnel must adhere to nonsensical-to-impossible regulations or demand unnecessary documents. The regulations are costly to overcome and can include a court order, which requires a lawyer.
As we’ve learned, the two key points of vulnerability for citizens who lack a current, valid, government-issued photo ID are: 1) the need for documents like a birth certificate and 2) assistance through the bureaucratic maze. The process can be extraordinarily complicated and prohibitively expensive, often necessitating legal help.
Optimally, we would like to see the governments in voter ID states provide the requisite funding and personnel to actively help citizens get their voter IDs. In the absence of such governmental help and funding, it's up to us - We the People - to ensure that all our fellow citizens retain their precious right to vote.
So what is VoteRiders doing about it?
We are excited to introduce our Voter ID Document Project. In 2013, VoteRiders will begin outreach for the Project as a pilot program in South Carolina. VoteRiders will facilitate the Project, partnering with local law schools, non-profit organizations and pro-bono attorneys who will work with citizens to help them obtain the documents required to secure a state-mandated photo ID for voting purposes. Dr. Brenda Williams’ The Family Unit, which was introduced in our third installment in this series, is our lead partner. We believe the Voter ID Document Project can, must and will be replicated in other voter ID states.
Now, more than ever, we need to ensure that every citizen has the ability to vote to make his or her voice heard.
We will keep the Kos community updated with the latest on the Project - but please also check for updates on our website, follow us on Twitter, and like us on Facebook!
