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Advocacy Blog
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Photo ID Law Passes In House
This afternoon the House passed H.R.4844, the "Federal Election Integrity Act of 2006," which would require all citizens to present a photo ID when voting. After voters have faced wide spread trouble at the polls through the primary season caused by human errors or by voting machines, an additional barrier could be in place if this would become law. Many Americans, such as the elderly or those who do not drive might not easily be able to attain the proper identification.
The bill would require everyone to present a photo ID before voting in federal elections by 2008. By 2010 voters would have to have photo IDs that certified they were citizens. In response to criticism that this would be a burden for the poor, the bill stipulates that states must provide the identification cards free of charge to those who can't afford them.
Steny Hoyer accurately stated;
"This bill is tantamount to a 21st century poll tax," said Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer, D-Md. "It will disenfranchise large number of legal voters."
The Washington Post story can be found here.
Posted by Amanda Adams
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