Posted on 05/23/2007 6:22:15 AM PDT by cbkaty
This lawmaker counts his grandmother among reasons
In my community in Houston, thousands of first- and second-generation Americans came of age in the "greatest generation." They volunteered to protect our freedom in World War II. Many who came home had to fight to build a life for their families and exercise the rights they earned with their blood and tears.
As a firefighter, I was trained to protect their lives and property. As a state senator today, it's the least I can do to honor their sacrifices by being in Austin to protect their right to vote.
Every nonpartisan, academic study on the impact of voter ID laws in other states shows they suppress voter turnout among the elderly, low-income citizens, Hispanics, African-Americans and the disabled. But I don't need a study to know why voter ID proposals like House Bill 218 are bad; I just have to think about my grandmother.
My grandmother came from Mexico, played by the rules, became a citizen and earned her right to vote. She didn't have a driver's license, but she had her voter registration card, went to the polls where the workers knew her, and voted. If the voter ID law were in effect, I'm not sure she or others like her could have voted.
This year, close to 120 burdensome voter identification proposals were introduced in state legislatures across the nation. Not one of them has passed yet, and I want to make sure Texas isn't the only state to pass one. For many folks, a voter ID requirement doesn't sound like a big deal, but it would prevent many eligible voters from voting. Many elderly voters don't have a driver's license. Others who are disabled or work two jobs don't have the time, money or ability to get an ID card or documents they would need to vote. And new voter ID requirements would create confusion and long lines at the polls that would discourage many from voting.
When more people vote for American Idol contestants than vote for president, we should make it easier for people to vote, not harder. Voter ID proponents say it's necessary to combat "voter fraud" and raise the specter of "illegal aliens" voting, but no one has documented a single case of "voter impersonation" that HB 218 would solve. And common sense tells us noncitizens are not going to risk deportation by voting.
The bottom line is that voter ID is about politics, not fraud. In a 2004 election contest for a Harris County state House seat, a Texas House committee chaired by a conservative Republican found charges that hundreds of noncitizens voted were false. The Bush Justice Department's "Voting Access and Integrity Initiative," which directed U.S. attorneys to prioritize alleged voter fraud cases, resulted in only 24 convictions from 2002 to 2005. And the U.S. Election Assistance Commission found "that the accusations regarding widespread fraud are unjustified."
Voter ID laws passed in Georgia and Missouri were struck down by the courts, which concluded that the cost of obtaining the ID and necessary documents amounts to a 21st century poll tax.
In my community, there are veterans and people like my grandmother who earned their right to vote and shouldn't be forced to pay the modern day version of a poll tax. They are the real heroes in this story. I'm in Austin because it's my job to protect their right to vote.
Gallegos, a Democrat, represents Houston.
I’m listening. I had to take a call so I missed some of it. There are people like this even in Austin though.
I have worked the polls in national elections here in South Texas. If they can't speak English and can't prove they have a right to vote (citizenship), we challenge them. Challenged voters ballots are segregated from the rest of the ballots and sealed in an envelope. They are not counted until it can be proved they have a right to vote.
My wife voted last night for American Idol three times. I don't think we should make it that easy to vote for president.
The first part of her call had me thinking it’s time to start playing Cowboys and MuSLIMES on the streets TODAY.
Nonpartisan? Baloney.
voter ID laws in other states shows they suppress voter turnout among the elderly, low-income citizens, Hispanics, African-Americans and the disabled
Yeah, sure. World Ends Tomorrow! Women, children and minorities affected most!
More innane BS from the same city that gives us Sheila Jackson-Moonbat.
Why is it that in a Democrats mind...rules are what OTHERS have to follow and somehow don’t apply to them?
BTTT
We need more honest poll workers to work the early election period and on the day of the election.
We should all thank the Lord for those little old ladies who work the polls ask for ID even if they know you and call you by name,and I'm one of them!
Call or email your state reps and senators and tell them on the last day of the session the Blocker Bill is not in effect. They can get it done today with a simple majority if only they will do it!!!!!
BTW, you don't have to wish him ill.
Concerned Texans should call, email or write their State Senators to let them know you support Voter ID requirement.
The fee for a Texas ID card is $15 for those under 60; this card expires every six years. In most cases, you may renew your ID card online for an additional $1 service charge. Those 60 and over get a break―an ID card costs only $5 and never needs to be renewed.
So it would cost his grandmother $5 once. Even for younger people it averages $3/year. When my grandfather finally had to give up his driver's license my mom got him a state ID at the same time she returned the licence to the BMV.
Sorry, I'm just not buying the idea that cost is a problem.
Whose common sense? Dimwit.
We've got documentation of groups actively registering illegals to vote in CA. Fear of deportation? The same groups are telling the illegals that they are allowed to vote. So why would they be afraid of deportation?
Did you see the FR thread where a Republican State Senator bought the bed for Senator Gallegos? There is no way the Republicans are calling anyone's bluff.
Man, these scumbag Democrats will do anything to save their massive vote-fraud franchise.
Senator Kirk Watson - State Senate
District 14 (Democrat)
Heh, heh, heh...
Hmmm, perhaps people vote for American Idol because it represents an opportunity to select someone who will bring enjoyment and pleasure through their performance.
When voting for a politician, the only reward is choosing who gets to put their hand in my pocket and diminish the value and meaning of my citizenship. So, why vote? Regardless of who wins, I lose!!!
They should just make their Voter ID cards to be photo ID cards..
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