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July 7, 2011

Voter ID Surprise

Justin Katz

Voter ID legislation moved along with surprisingly little fanfare, so much so that opponents weren't sure that Governor Chafee had signed until three days after the fact. Perhaps I'm just too cynical, but I can't help but feel as if I'm missing something.

The bill text is somewhat light on details, so I suspect that the ID cards will be easier to get than most Anchor Rising readers would like. Strictness and enforcement will also be critical aspects to watch. But still, the legislation looks promising.

This being Rhode Island, though, I can't help but wonder what the catch is or what other piece of legislation was bought with this coin.

Comments

The next thing that needs to happen is to clean up the voter rolls. Cumberland usually has about 25,000 registered voters and only 32,000 residents. So that means there are 8,000 children or other people unregistered to vote?

Anyone remember how easy it is to register? Many realtors even include voter registration cards as part of the package when you buy a new house. You can simply mail them in. You can get a whole stack of them from your local Board of Canvassers. This might be the easiest way to commit voter fraud, fill out the cards with various addresses and then simply go vote in the next election. There are no checks against this. Laws against it, yes, but no checks.

Posted by: Patrick at July 7, 2011 7:59 AM

The phrase "be careful what you wish for" comes to mind. Or maybe we've been hit by a wave of illegal immigrants who can swing $500,000 houses.

Posted by: bella at July 7, 2011 8:26 AM

Bella, this is RI. There are no more $500,000 houses left.

Posted by: Patrick at July 7, 2011 9:31 AM

There will be rampant voter fraud in 2012 as Emperor Hussein seeks to hold power. The only way Hussein wins is with illegals,dead people in Chicago and phantom voters. "Motor Voter" is revving up right now. Here comes the fraud express.

Posted by: ANTHONY at July 7, 2011 10:20 PM

"this is RI. There are no more $500,000 houses left."

Very good ...

Posted by: Monique at July 7, 2011 11:01 PM

bella probably thinks this law will discriminate against immigrants and "undocumented workers".
Thing is,only US citizens can vote-I don't doubt there are people on this blog who don't like that fact.

Posted by: joe bernstein at July 7, 2011 11:25 PM

What is the problem with having to prove your identity when voting? I am all for it. Maybe some of the illegals will not try to sneak in a vote.

Posted by: L Lajoie at July 14, 2011 6:31 PM