You’re right, it is equivalent to a poll tax. But that has been ruled unconstitutional. I wonder if the SC will have the balls and ovaries to rule correctly when this comes up in a case.
Actually, it was NOT ruled unconstitutional, the Constitution was amended to ban it, and the ban only covers Presidential, Senatorial, and House elections.
Furthermore, Congress has the power to legislate "in all cases whatsoever" over DC, so, except for a poll tax for Presidential elections, they could charge whatever they wanted.
I’ve always wondered why? I see not Right to vote (only that it cannot be denied based on Race, Sex, etc.). Also, aside from the House (and then the 17th Amend.), there is no need for the FED to meddle otherwise; it’s a State issue. Elect. Coll. for Prez, States for the Senate, The People for the House....or that’s how it was.
Now, how is mandating a license NOT an infringement?? Much like the Poll Tax, you need to spend $$, let alone get permission from the gov’t, State or otherwise...That equates to a privilege in my book.