- 1 min read
- Posted on 04.30.06
One of the consequences of a bill now being considered by the General Assembly is the effective disenfranchisement of senior citizens who have (often, wisely) allowed their drivers licenses to expire. The bill would require a state-approved picture identification at polling places.
The key document in obtaining such an ID is a birth certificate. However, some seniors may no longer have copies of their birth certificates either - and, thus, would be faced with the choice (and time/expense) of getting their birth certificates or of missing out on their most basic right as citizens of a democracy. The Associated Press reported this weekend that the state agency that supplies many birth certificates is months behind in dealing with requests.
Fair elections are essential, but the current picture ID proposal is wrong-headed.
