[Maceman]

The only person I'll show my ID to is a licensed therapist.

Too bad. Your vote would be missed. And it must be tough for you to never be able to fly or rent a car.

This is an outstanding idea. In Massachusetts during the 02 election cycle, a federal judge ruled that it is discriminatory to ask for an ID at a polling place. His reason was essentially that Hispanics and other immigrant population -- who often are wary of showing ID -- would be intimidated into not voting.

So fundamentally, in Massachuseetts, it is no longer necessary to be a citizen to vote in American elections.

We have to show ID when we fly. It is just common sense that we should have to show a valid ID to vote. The alternative is an invitation to election fraud.

[Paul Atreides]

I was making a joke, using the psychological term "Id."

[Paul Atreides]

According to Freud, we are born with our Id. The id is an important part of our personality because as newborns, it allows us to get our basic needs met. Freud believed that the id is based on our pleasure principle. In other words, the id wants whatever feels good at the time, with no consideration for the reality of the situation. When a child is hungry, the id wants food, and therefore the child cries. When the child needs to be changed, the id cries. When the child is uncomfortable, in pain, too hot, too cold, or just wants attention, the id speaks up until his or her needs are met.

[sweetliberty]

"His reason was essentially that Hispanics and other immigrant population -- who often are wary of showing ID -- would be intimidated into not voting."

Uhh, isn't that the idea? It is my understanding that only American citizens are qualified or legally able to vote in our elections, so why are we making laws to protect the illegal votes of illegal people?

[usadave]

His reason was essentially that Hispanics and other immigrant population -- who often are wary of showing ID -- would be intimidated into not voting.

Interestingly, in order to vote in an election in Mexico, Mexicans must show a photo ID. I don't know how things are done in Central and South American countries, but Mexican citizens are quite used to showing a photo ID before voting.