Pledge to vote no on photo ID at http://keithellison.org/voteno

You need a valid I.D. for many things to prove what you claim is yours truly is. I am for showing my I.D. to prove MY vot is MY vote. If you cant prove who you are then you are hiding something because in Minnesota it is as easy as going to a gov' center like in Brooklyn Park. DONT HIDE ! SHOW YOUR I.D. !!

How would you like to go in to vote and find out someone already voted for you, it has happened. We are getting to be more like Chicago, you don't have to stop voting just because you died.

Voter fraud happens and it would be less if we all had to show an ID. It's not that hard and you need it for many other things. Plus it's not like we don't know when we're gonna vote. It's the same time every 2-4 years. You have plenty of time to get one! It's really easy!

In 2010, there were about 17,000 more votes than registered voters in Minnesota. Same-day registration ballots should be provisional. When they are confirmed, then that vote can count - and can be removed if not.
Rep. Ellison went on record to defend ACORN, an organization charged with voter fraud across the country (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124182750646102435.html)

In addition to voter fraud cases, ACORN employees across the country were caught on tape advising undercover activists how to set up brothels for pedophiles in 2009 – and one employee counseled on how to defraud the government and banks.

In our state, ACORN now runs under the name "Minnesota Neighborhoods Organizing for Change." Congress voted 251 to 168 to block funding for remaining ACORN groups and ACORN’s rebranded organizations. Rep. Ellison voted no to that amendment.

Requiring a photo ID is an easy, common-sense solution - and already needed to buy Sudafed, dry cleaning, alcohol, and to cash a check. I urge Rep. Keith Ellison to support Voter ID.

First of all, get your facts straight about ACORN. That was determined to be a hoax to undermine the organization. O'Keefe and Giles were slapped with a lawsuit by the victims in that videotape who were falsely portrayed. Go read up on it. Besides ACORN has nothing to do with this issue. Second of all, requiring photo IDs to vote is one more barrier, one more requirement to exercise a citizen's right. It's also very big brother, and I'm tired of the government being my big brother. I already have one thank you very much, and I can tell you it's over rated. ;)

Jennifer, facts are stubborn things - and if Rep. Ellison defends groups like ACORN, it would follow that he is defending their suspect voter registration activities. A former ACORN worker testified and confirmed voter integrity breaches during her employment: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122533169940482893.html

The ACORN tapes were not a hoax, and I one lawsuit was dismissed. After several similar instances were caught on tape across the country, Congress acted to defund. http://www.examiner.com/conservative-issues-in-baltimore/state-court-dismisses-acorn-lawsuit-against-o-keefe-giles-and-breitbart

As to requiring photo ID to vote being a barrier, you already need it to cash a check, buy alcohol, cold medicine, dry cleaning, or to board a plane. Would you rather your vote be counted or discounted by fraudulent means? Providing ID to vote is supported by over 75% of Americans. http://www.usnews.com/opinion/blogs/peter-roff/2011/06/10/poll-democrats-and-republicans-support-a-voter-id-check-law

Kaiser wrote why he doesn't need a photo ID, "I don't need it to drive because I never break the law, use an older car, pay my insurance and license tabs, etc."

MN State law requires a driver's license to drive (a form of photo ID). I do hope you have one, or you are breaking the law.

The right to vote is a conditional right with a series of requirements. You must be a citizen of the United States. You must reside in the State in which you are voting. You must be at least eighteen years of age. The Constitution never explicitly ensures the right to vote. The qualifications for voters are left to the states. Persons declared mentally incompetent and felons currently in prison or on probation are denied the right to vote. Virtually anyone who ever receives public assistance must have some way to establish they are who they say they are.. To Kaiser are we to assume from your comment above that you drive without a drivers license since you state that you don't need one? Have you tried to receive medical care through an Emergency Room lately? You will be asked for photo ID. This policy has been extended to most medical offices lately. The idea that we have millions of people, qualified to vote ,who live in the shadows of society without any ID and no possible way to get one is ludicrous.

Just did a little further investigation. The Dept of Motor Vehicles has a non-expiring, non-driver 65+ photo ID for about $11. It is a new category available for a couple years already.

Nancy, you worry too much and believe in way too much propaganda. Facts may be "stubborn" but obviously so are you.

Agreed, Kaiser. The photo ID is yet another barrier, another requirement that puts even more restrictions on voting. The "voter fraud" argument is a red herring. This is just another measure to restrict rights.

The U.S Supreme Court has already accepted voter I.D. requirements as being reasonable and legal. It would be free if there is a financial hardship. Voter I.D. assures the public of the integrity of the outcomes. There is no objection or difficulty that cannot be successfully addressed, and overcome. You need a photo I.D. in D.C. to enter a number of Federal buildings, including the Dept. of Justice and the Supreme Court. This is not an issue that anyone who flies or drives should be bothered by. If you are disabled and use Metro Transit buses you need to show a photo I.D. with an "L' on it to get a reduced fare. Senior citizens need to also. We need to have residency/citizenship status included on the cards.

Oh, and Nancy, I don't care how many Americans supposedly support photo ID requirement. Again, that's besides the point. It's supposed relative popularity it unpopularity isn't what concerns me.
Oh, and the instances you cite for needing a photo ID are redic! I've never had to present an ID for *dry cleaning.* How stupid is that? And funny, I've purchased alcohol in a number of different places and have not been asked for an ID. I do all my banking online so I don't need it there. Right or wrong, the only time I need it is when I board a plane.

Well, it bothers me and thousands of other "upstanding" citizens, Kevin.

The actual proposed legislation will provide a photo ID at no cost. There is "no poll tax" Those who vote under the current system are being disenfranchised by abuse of the current system. Facts are indeed stubborn things. More and more of them are coming out due to the hard work of diligent volunteers who value the principle of one man (or woman) one vote.

Candace and Kevin, In your mind, you may have provided reasonable arguments. For others against photo ID, their's are likewise reasonable. However, no one has yet come up with a fool proof way to protect the integrity of photo ID's. As I've mentioned earlier, I personally have seen hundreds of fake ID's while working as a bartender. How are we going to protect the integrity of elections from this type of fraud?

Isn't it ironic that the voices opposed to Voter I.D. seem to be the same voices who impose their views, in so many ways, on others. Voter I.D. does not infringe on citizens rights, it seeks to limit civic wrongs. Kaiser if you've seen hundreds of phony I.D.s you can appreciate the benefits a quality I.D can offer.

Kaiser, the ones faking them are usually the ones who would fraudulently vote anyways but you at least have a deterrent to weed a few out. Also you would rid the fanatics of voting multiple time in multiple precincts. Looking the other way does nothing but invite more issues.

Those of you who have commented in favor of requiring the photo ID for voting have really educated me. You've really made strong arguments using logic, examples and even links to credible articles. So, I'd like to take your logic and support one step further. How about I wear a pink triangle and gold star stitched onto my clothing and tattoo my photo ID to my arm. That way we can all be really clear on who I am at *all* times wherever I go. That would make pretending like we're 1930s and 40s Europe that much easier. You don't get it, do you?

Mike, the young adults who have the fake IDs for alcohol are in the demographics who don't vote. These "kids" are not the ones who would be the problem at the polls. It might weed out a few, but the real shenanigans with fake IDs would be perpetrated by the people who want to be sure their candidate wins.

Jennifer, you have really gone to the totally absurd. If you don't want to show an ID the solution is simple don't vote.

Candace, Jennifer can already vote without an ID. It's you and your conspiracy theory-loving friends who want to impose another layer of government on us. The real irony is that the people who want limited government, want even more government involvement in our elections; on top of it it's a government so many of your friends say is dysfunctional.

Candy, *you're* absurd! You really don't get it just as I suspected. Just because I don't agree with you doesn't mean I should just "not vote." Your stupidity is astounding.

Perfectly stated, Kaiser!

O.K, Kaiser got his attention, mission accomplished. The basic facts are a country needs the security of I.D. for many reasons. To ensure that people are qualified to receive attentions or treatments such as drinking age, blood types when treated and donor for body parts, and try picking up tickets at an event at will call without an I.D.
Just because one person has a soapbox doesn't mean the ensured security of proving you are who you say you are should be ignored. I.D.'S are cheap and are needed for so many things and I cant think of anything more worth protecting than my right to vote which is one of my most valuable constitutional rights and what separates us from the likes of Iran,Syria, North Korea etc.. What needs to be fixed is the ability to acquire an I.D. Kaiser, not an election with 17,000 more votes than citizens last time.

How is Voter ID going to be paid for? It's going to cost a lot of money to produce all of these "free" photo IDs, including adding more government to regulate them. I haven't seen any examples of actual voter fraud on any mass scale either, and it's not like a photo ID is flawless....how many high school and college kids did you know that had fake IDs?:-P

This is a big waste of time and money.

Brie,
It is sad that folks on your side of the argument refuse to recognize the hours of volunteer work that has gone into researching how many postal verification cards are returned as undeliverable because the parson and/or the resident address does not exist. You can't see voter fraud unless you look for it. Jennifer, my name is Candace not Candy. Frankly I do "get it" my vote is being being devalued by fraudulent votes because we have a flawed system. When it can be shown in black and white that there were 17, 000 more ballots cast in 2010 than there were registered voters in the state it is beyond absurd to deny there is no fraud in the system. You are entitled to your opinion. That doesn't mean that I have to agree with you.

If you haven't seen how easy it is to register fraudulently without ID, see how "Tim Tebow" did here in Minnesota: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqMVxeZhflI&feature=player_embedded

Registering and voting are two different things Nancy.

They addressed registering and voting absentee. You see the problems of each when we don't require an ID.

People keep mentioning a discrepancy of 17,000 votes in one of the past elections. Where is the proof? Just because Kiffmeyer says there was a difference doesn't mean there was one. She has no proof, and neither does anyone else. She should realize the bulk of those 17,000 votes are most likely same day registration votes.

If you don't trust the figures - check the discrepancy numbers with returned registration cards yourself with a Secretary of State audit. More discrepancies from 2008 and 2010 election audits are reported here: http://wewantvoterid.com/documents/2012_PVC_Report_Final.pdf

The main issue is that these ballots are cast before they are verified. A voter using a
false name can’t be tracked after the fact. Requiring a valid ID and holding ballots as provisional is one common-sense solution, so that they would be counted once verified. Every legally cast ballot would count, and those voting fraudulently would be caught early before their vote cancels a legal voter's.

Again Nancy, where does the 17,000 vote number come from. It's not in that document you provided a link for. In fact that document refutes some of your argument in past posts. Your argument lacks integrity. I'm not saying you're not entitled to an opinion, but your argument is off base.

One thing proponents should realize is that non-citizens can get driver's licenses. When have any of you had to provide proof of citizenship to vote? A birth certificate isn't enough either as many US citizens were born in other countries. When you dig into this, more and more issues surface that any amendment must address. Yet, we are suppose to vote on this constitutional amendment without even knowing what the final version of the amendment will look like. You would think even republicans would be worried about that as democrats might control the legislature again in 2013, which is when the GOP says the details will be worked out?

An online search shows the 17,000 number discovered during the 2008 recount (lack of ballot reconciliation). But, the number was higher in a May, 2009 StarTrib article: "He [SOS Ritchie] said the goal was to match voter registration and the certified canvassing board totals within 1,000 names. "You'll never get a perfect correlation between the two," he said. "We were at 40,000 in April. We're at about 30,000 now." http://www.startribune.com/politics/46384897.html?page=1&c=y

As to non-citizen drivers licenses, there is a "status check" with a date on it that indicates whether they are a US Citizen, and election judges are trained to check that when registering a voter.

Still waiting for your source for 17,000 votes, Nancy. Repeating lies doesn't make them true.

Kaiser - I will find the data source and repost it here. In the meantime, may I ask why you don't support voter integrity when Minnesota led the nation with voter fraud convictions? http://www.electionintegritywatch.com/documents/2011-Report-Voter-Fraud-Convictions.pdf

Most of the voter fraud allegations in the MN Majority report are overblown and overexaggerated. You want to know who's really being watched for voter fraud? It's the GOP. That's right, for the past 30 years the GOP has been under court ordered monitoring for the potential of race-based voter fraud. You want a real example of GOP officials who have been convicted of voter fraud? Look no further than Indiana, the state that just passed "Right to Work" legislation. Hmmm... I wonder how that happened.

MN Majority is a lobbyist group with a clear, partisan political agenda - as does its leader Dan McGrath. Here’s a source from a non-partisan public policy and law institute that focuses on the fundamental issues of democracy and justice.

http://www.brennancenter.org/content/resource/policy_brief_on_the_truth_about_voter_fraud/

Come on Nancy, admit it - you have a personal political agenda. Your blog is purely partisan so why don't you just admit that this issue is purely political for you? That means much of your position is based on half-truths and hysteria. In the meantime, I'll wait for that original source about the 17,000 votes, and you should brush up on how to be a better election judge to help prevent voter fraud in the next election.

Cathy O: most seniors do have an ID (my mother had a state photo ID as well when she stopped driving). They are required to use an ID to purchase certain items, to travel, to cash a check in most banks. I agree with you that our seniors are valued citizens. Their votes do not deserve to be cancelled out by fraudulent means.

Kaiser: I wrote Dan McGrath at MN Majority if he could site where the 17,000 figure came from. He replied "There are three distinct balancing problems. they involve voter receipts vs. signature & ballot counts; voters accounted for in SVRS; and unverifiable (challenged) voters ”

Source links are included in their report, where they cited 40,000 in the 2008 election: http://www.minnesotamajority.org/TheIssues/ElectionIntegrity/tabid/188/Default.aspx That number is more disturbing than the 17,000 number I found.

You may call me a poorly trained election judge, but we all are trained to abide by our Secretary of State's rules. Voter fraud can not be detected by judges when same-day voter registrants cannot be verified until after the fact. This is not a personal political agenda - as an election judge, I want all eligible voters to vote, and their votes to count.

Dave, you're implying only those who support Democrats cheat; that's a false position to take.

An NBC local affiliate showed approximately one hundred non-citizens registered to vote in Lee and Collier counties. People are called to jury duty based on voter registrations. They claimed to not be citizens in order to escape jury duty. The news clips are at Right Scoop .com. Please note that not all of the voter fraud suspects speak English, some not at all!!! Comprende? lol

How will Voter ID be paid for? You're looking at expanding government and increasing government cost to provide all of these "free" IDs.

If it does pass, the legislature will refuse to increase taxes to pay for it, which is fine, but then my property taxes will have to go up to pay for it. Gross.

What's more disgraceful than one veteran being ill affected because of a failure of govt. bureaucracy is countless people taking advantage of the very system that his fellow service men and women died to protect and promote. The problem in that case is the govt. bureaucracy, not the ID requirement. And what's this deal with costing the govt. millions of tax dollars? Do that many people really not have any form of identification? If that's true, first off, since when did democrats ever care about spending money. We can go in debt all we want and now something they don't like and all of a sudden their concerend about the tax payers? What's the deal with that? Going back to the ID thing, if it really will cost millions and dems really care, then how bout we cut spending on numerous entitlement programs and use the money to provide identification.

AMENDMENT 2
PHOTO IDENTIFICATION REQUIRED FOR VOTING
"Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to require all voters to present
valid photo identification to vote and to require the state to provide free
identification to eligible voters, effective July 1, 2013?"

I not here to tell you what to do - but I urge you to actually read the proposed amendment. Please also be mindful of the fact that only one other state, Mississippi, has changed its constitution to require voter ID.

Full text of proposed amendment, House File 2738, can be found here: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bin/bldbill.php?bill=H2738.3.html&session=ls87