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Do state laws requiring photo ID for voters unfairly affect voter participation? |
Background:
The
founders left most voting requirements up to the states, and our
Constitution now protects the right to vote for citizens over 18 years
of age. Thirty three states currently have laws in place requiring photo IDs for voting, but some of these face legal challenges. Supporters of photo ID laws argue that the integrity of the process needs to be protected against voter fraud. Opponents believe these laws suppress voting.
Join the debate by watching the following C-SPAN videos, reading the articles, and participating in a deliberation in your classroom. Then let us know what you think by voting in our online poll.
Join the debate by watching the following C-SPAN videos, reading the articles, and participating in a deliberation in your classroom. Then let us know what you think by voting in our online poll.
*Background reading from Politico
**Background reading from The Economist
*** Background reading from The National Conference of State Legislatures (interactive with current state laws)
Yes: Voter ID is a good idea  New State Voter Identification Laws  Campaign Finance and the Voter Registration | No: Voter ID is not a good idea  New State Voter Identification Laws  Campaign Finance and the Voter Registration |
Additional Video Clip Resources
Law professors Pamela Karlan and Nathaniel Persily at Stanford University Law School talk about Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act. Redistricting and Election Laws, January 28, 2012. (About 4 minutes)
Rob Richie, Executive Director of FairVote talks about the American electoral processes and voter ID. C-SPAN's Washington Journal, February 12, 2012. (About 2 minutes)
Activities
What do YOU think?