Representative Jon Brien has introduced legislation which would require voters to provide identification in order to vote.  This legislation is long overdue.  Voter rolls are filled with names of deceased citizens, which would be known to those running in local races.  What would stop someone from attempting to vote as someone else?  In a close race, just a few votes can make a huge difference.

     Opponents of this bill will complain about having to show identification.  They will argue that this will have a negative impact on the poor.  Here's my question: How many adults don't have identification?  SInce ID's are needed for a broad range of transactions, I would think that most adults would have at least one.  For those people who don't have a picture ID, there are other options, such as a social security card, medicare card, or birth certificate.  In addition, picture ID's will be made available to voters who don't have one.

     I can't think of any legitimate reason why this bill should not pass.  All it does is provide assurances that voters are who they claim to be.  Click here to read the full text of H 5097.