Kerby Anderson

When is identification necessary in our society? At least one U.S. district judge believes it is unnecessary when we vote. Earlier this month she struck down the Texas requirement that voters have a photo ID in order to vote. Any one of seven forms of identification could be used at the polling place. And if people did not have a driver’s license or other appropriate ID, they could sign an affidavit declaring that they have an impediment to obtaining required identification. An article in the Washington Examiner listed “24 things that require a photo ID” and included funny pictures with each to drive the point home. The author suggested we would be better served in getting IDs to people who are supposedly disenfranchised instead of trying to end voter laws that require an ID. You cannot buy alcohol without an ID. If you are under 27 years of age and want to buy cigarettes, you will be asked for an ID in most states. You need an ID to open a bank account. You need an ID to apply for food stamps and to apply for other welfare benefits. You need an ID to apply for Medicaid and Social Security. You need an ID to apply for a job and to apply for unemployment. You need an ID to rent or buy a house and to apply for a mortgage. You need an ID to rent a car or to buy a car. Of course, you also need a driver’s license to drive a car. You need an ID to get on an airplane. You need an ID to get married. You need an ID to buy a gun. You need an ID to apply for a hunting license or a fishing license. You need an ID to rent a hotel room. You need an ID to buy a cell phone. You need an ID to pick up a prescription and even to buy certain cold medications. You need an ID to give a blood donation. We need an ID to do more than these two-dozen things. Unfortunately, we have a district judge who has ruled that you don’t need a photo ID to vote.