Published in a recent Bozeman Chronicle. Published for fair use and discussion purposes. My comments in bold.
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As the world’s leading Democracy (No, no, no! I have covered this before. The founders gave us a representative republic. They despised democracy! James Madison: "Democracy is the most vile form of government... democracies have ever been spectacles of turbulence and contention: have ever been found incompatible with personal security or the rights of property: and have in general been as short in their lives as they have been violent in their deaths." Federalist #10.),the most treasured value we hold is that every eligible citizen has the right and responsibility to vote. (The letter writer states a principle that we all would probably agree with ["every eligible citizen"], but then devotes the remainder of her letter to objecting to verifying that eligibility.
Regarding the responsibility to vote, there is no such thing.)
Two bills have been introduced in our Legislature which would significantly restrict the ability of large numbers of Montanans to vote: HB 30, would roll back Election Day voter registration , and HB 108, would require IDs that many Montanans must pay for ($8 every four years. And isn't it a surprise it is to find a Leftist who suddenly thinks that the burden of government must be avoided!)
and renew frequently (HB30 is not particularly controversial, let alone the affront to voting rights the letter writer is portraying. It is perfectly sensible to establish voter registration provisions. Same day registration is prone to fraud, and is unnecessary anyway. Responsible people take care of things like this in advance. No accommodation is required for those who are irresponsible.
HB108 does change what would be required to ensure the voter is eligible. However the changes are pretty mild, not worth the histrionics of the writer.).
Under current law, voters can present identification from a school, tribe, utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, government check, or other government document that shows the voter’s name and address. (Interestingly, the same people who tend to not like voter registration restrictions also do not like employers being required to ensure the citizenship of those they hire. This means that a paycheck stub would be sufficient proof of identity for voting, but does not prove the voter is eligible to vote!)
HB 108 would only allow a current Montana or tribal ID card in order to vote. (Not true. A Montana drivers license and the last four digits of one's Social Security number is acceptable.)
Montanans most affected by this requirement would be the poor, elderly, young, Native American, and those with disabilities (Everyone is affected by Montana voter requirements. Everyone has to prove that they are eligible. The way that proof is offered is the issue.).
If passed, HB108 could have a significant fiscal impact on Montana counties, costing taxpayers many dollars to implement — costs for voter education to avoid voter confusion and making sure qualified electors are not turned away from the polls; and costs associated with training election judges to examine IDs (Is the writer grasping for straws here? Since when are government activities implemented without training or cost? Do election judges not examine presently-required documents to assure that the voter is eligible at present? Are qualified voters never turned away under the present law?
A significant fiscal impact? Since when are these people concerned with the fiscal impact of government?).
Montana voter ID laws are already stronger than federal requirements. We should come together to make sure that every eligible Montanan can participate equally in our elections (Because this apparently isn't happening now? We should come together, why? Are we separated now? Come together and agree with her, since disagreeing with her is, what, divisive?).
Voting is something all Montanans can do to help strengthen our communities (Does making sure only eligible voters vote do anything to strengthen our communities?).
Both of these bills will disenfranchise voters: therefore the Montana League of Women Voters opposes HB 30 and HB 108 (Actually, these laws will disenfranchise ineligible voters. If you can't prove who you are satisfactorily, you are not a voter. This is right and proper.)
Nancy Detrick President, Montana League of Women Voters Billings Sally Maison President, Bozeman Area League of Women Voters Bozeman
Under current law, voters can present identification from a school, tribe, utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, government check, or other government document that shows the voter’s name and address. (Interestingly, the same people who tend to not like voter registration restrictions also do not like employers being required to ensure the citizenship of those they hire. This means that a paycheck stub would be sufficient proof of identity for voting, but does not prove the voter is eligible to vote!)
HB 108 would only allow a current Montana or tribal ID card in order to vote. (Not true. A Montana drivers license and the last four digits of one's Social Security number is acceptable.)
Montanans most affected by this requirement would be the poor, elderly, young, Native American, and those with disabilities (Everyone is affected by Montana voter requirements. Everyone has to prove that they are eligible. The way that proof is offered is the issue.).
If passed, HB108 could have a significant fiscal impact on Montana counties, costing taxpayers many dollars to implement — costs for voter education to avoid voter confusion and making sure qualified electors are not turned away from the polls; and costs associated with training election judges to examine IDs (Is the writer grasping for straws here? Since when are government activities implemented without training or cost? Do election judges not examine presently-required documents to assure that the voter is eligible at present? Are qualified voters never turned away under the present law?
A significant fiscal impact? Since when are these people concerned with the fiscal impact of government?).
Montana voter ID laws are already stronger than federal requirements. We should come together to make sure that every eligible Montanan can participate equally in our elections (Because this apparently isn't happening now? We should come together, why? Are we separated now? Come together and agree with her, since disagreeing with her is, what, divisive?).
Voting is something all Montanans can do to help strengthen our communities (Does making sure only eligible voters vote do anything to strengthen our communities?).
Both of these bills will disenfranchise voters: therefore the Montana League of Women Voters opposes HB 30 and HB 108 (Actually, these laws will disenfranchise ineligible voters. If you can't prove who you are satisfactorily, you are not a voter. This is right and proper.)
Nancy Detrick President, Montana League of Women Voters Billings Sally Maison President, Bozeman Area League of Women Voters Bozeman
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