http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/07/us/07identity.html?_r=1&ref=todayspape...
In the poll "Should Voting Be Mandatory?" a good point was brought up in the comments. Someone mentioned something along the lines that we couldn't require voting even if we had a desire to because we can't even get states to require photo ID at the polling booth to prove identity. Today I came across this article in the New York Times that says just the opposite.
Apparently Indiana has the strictest voter identification laws in the country. Basically stating you MUST have a government issued photo ID to vote. According to the article this has caused an issue for the elderly and poor because the photo IDs cost money (or you have to be a member of the military, I suppose). The case is now facing the Supreme Court for ruling on Wednesday.
The Democrats are in an uproar because the 13% in Indiana (4% across the country) that have no valid government issued ID tend to vote Democratic. Naturally the Republicans are against the proposition because they believe that since it is almost impossible in today's society to not have a valid photo ID that it is not unfair to require one be presented.
Here is my simple solution (that probably won't make it in a Repulican majority Supreme Court (they do still have the majority by one, correct?)). One valid government issued photo ID w/ a signature on it will be enough to get your ballot, but if you do not have such identification you should be allowed to provide three alternate forms. Example: social security card, birth certificate, and bank/credit card (or a recent bill with your name and address). I think the credit card should be accepted because you are suppose to sign the back of those cards, so that would provide an example of the signature to compare the log book signature to. That is the main requirement I think should be met. Some accurate form of identification that shows your signature sounds acceptable, but I do believe if you don't have a government ID you should show at least two and preferably three forms. It is too easy to fish old bills or credit card offers from someone's trash to allow just one to be enough.
I do feel bad for those individuals in the last election whose ballots were thrown out because of overly cautious laws. Just remember to vote this election day (and bring your ID just in case!)
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I fully support requiring photo ID at the polls. If my understanding is correct, it's becoming much more widespread. I know the past school elections in Michigan began requiring them per the Secretary of State. I am almost positive the primaries and upcoming presidential elections will also have this requirement.
In Michigan, it's a widely known joke that "dead people vote". The sad thing is that it is true. Hopefully, requiring ID to vote will help eliminate fraudulent voting.
http://www.progressiveu.org/user/bamers