I couldn't help but nod in agreement with the ideas expressed in the July 2 "Other View" editorial concerning voter ID ("Coordinated effort could prevent 5 million from voting," which was written by the San Jose (Calif.) Mercury News).
Voters affected will indeed be from groups more likely to support Democrats, and Republicans are using what might be called "an illusory form of common sense" to convince us voter IDs are necessary. Truthfully, there is a big difference between other common forms of IDs and those required to vote.
First, many states are requiring specific documents be shown in order to secure a "free" voter ID -- documents that sometimes are not in the possession of individuals who want to vote and must consequently be purchased for a fee. Those who would vote for Democrats are, demographically, at a disadvantage for having, or purchasing, these specific documents.
If anyone doubts the significance of being required to spend as much as several hundred dollars to obtain specific documents (as happened in Wisconsin) or even, say, $20, imagine that the next time you vote the official at your polling place says, "That will be $20, sir." Most Americans would be seriously offended.
The right to vote is guaranteed by our Constitution and is very different from other activities that require the use of other forms of ID. Getting a fishing license, university identification or even a state driver's license will not affect the composition of your government. But voting, or not being able to vote, potentially affects every aspect of your life -- and the lives of others.
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So before giving in to appeals for "common sense," make sure you understand what really is at stake for you and other voters and why the right to vote is a much bigger deal than any other activity that might require an ID.
Peter W. Johnson
Superior
