Elites Versus Ordinary Americans on Voter ID

Chronicles Magazine ^ | February 9, 2026 | Brian Lonergan

[E. Pluribus Unum]

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President Trump’s opponents, most of whom have never seen a local problem they didn’t think a national effort could solve, are suddenly proclaiming their devotion to the cause of federalism. This is in response to Trump’s recent suggestions that he would like to “nationalize the voting” in future elections, which prompted the usual tiresome comparisons of Trump to a banana republic dictator dedicated to stealing elections.

The president has brought attention to an important issue: the need for voter ID. The fact thathis Democratic critics are so vociferously against it is telling.  

As the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act languishes in the Senate amid partisan gridlock, Democrats are united in their opposition to all efforts to bolster election integrity. This bill, which passed the House in April 2025, would mandate documentary proof of U.S. citizenship for federal voter registration and ensure only eligible Americans cast ballots. Yet Senate Democrats, led by Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, have stonewalled it, requiring 60 votes to break a filibuster they seem eager to maintain.

Elections are the cornerstone of self-governance, and without verifiable safeguards, that foundation crumbles. Requiring a photo ID or proof of citizenship to vote is no more burdensome than showing ID to board a plane, buy alcohol, or open a bank account. Voter ID deters fraud, such as noncitizens voting illegally, which becomes harder to detect in loosely regulated systems. More importantly, it reassures the public that every vote counts equally.

Voter ID is just common sense that falls well within the mainstream of public opinion, transcending party lines and demographics. Polls consistently show overwhelming support: A recent CNN poll revealed that 85 percent of white Americans, 82 percent of Latinos, and 76 percent of black Americans favor requiring photo ID...

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TOPICS: Politics/Elections
KEYWORDS:

[pierrem15]

Those who benefit from public corruption can scarcely be expected to oppose it.

Many RINOs are happy to get the crumbs the Dems throw them when in power, although the Senate in particular behaves more like a "Looters Club" regardless of party. And the RINOs in safe districts are more than happy to con their voters that they will "stop the Dems" when pretending to do so and claiming to be "not as bad" provides a convenient rationale for reelecting them.

Frankly, most of the House and Senate should be taken out and shot for what they've done to this country.

[gildafarrell]

Since all citizens are required to have a RealId drivers license, that would serve a voter ID too. Citizens who vote should have Voter ID to prove they can vote.

[kvanbrunt2]

I’m not really a fan of voter id as i believe that proper audit controls which enforced by disavowing any counting process that violates the rules. The mail in ballot process in PA will really not benefit from voter id. no one can even validate a signature today. any where. the bank doesn’t validate your signature on a check. On the mail in application you submit a copy of your drivers license? really? It’s not a valid ID for plane travel. No we use the Real ID right? no longer even valid as a real ID. So you know who is voting and it has no impact on the guy sending the Biden votes thru the counting machines 20 times. Audit controls with personal sigh offs and jail time with invalidation of the votes for violating the rules.

[IWONDR]

“ The mail in ballot process in PA will really not benefit from voter id. no one can even validate a signature today. any where. the bank doesn’t validate your signature on a check.” My bank still asks to see an ID for checks that involve withdrawals.

[A strike]

“...should be taken out and shot...”

I’m for that.

[A strike]

moron !!