# When you apply for ACA insurance, you can register to vote! GOP don't LIKE that! **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [September 27, 2013, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-you-apply-for-aca-insurance-you-can-register-to-vote-gop-dont-like-that/669768 "2013-09-27T01:42:29Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2013, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-you-apply-for-aca-insurance-you-can-register-to-vote-gop-dont-like-that/669768/1 "2013-09-27T01:42:29Z")
[Story here.](http://www.addictinginfo.org/2013/09/26/gop-furious-that-1993-voter-registration-act-guarantees-right-to-register-when-applying-for-health-insurance/) > [@](#): > > Voters’ Rights groups have been keenly aware of this emerging issue, which is likely to be fought out in court. It became obvious to careful watchers in March, when a draft of the insurance application became public, that it would include the opportunity to register to vote. It was also obvious to those defending the right to vote that this provision is mandated by federal law — specifically by the 1993 National Voter Registration Act. That law, more popularly known as the “Motor Voter Act”, specified that states had to offer voter registration in government offices. That’s why most states currently offer the option to register to everyone who gets a driver’s license. > > The draft application got an immediate response from Congressman Charles W. Boustany,(R-Louisiana). As chairman of the House Committee On Ways And Means Subcommittee On Oversight (got that?), Boustany wrote a letter of protest to Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. His objection was supposedly that applicants would be confused and think that voter registration was somehow linked to getting subsidies for their health insurance. Right … because Republicans have been so-o-o concerned that people get all the subsidies to which they are entitled. > > California eagerly embraced the provision in May, becoming the first state to designate its healthcare exchange as a voter registration agency. New York and Vermont soon followed, while Connecticut and Maryland recently announced plans to do the same. > > The difficulty, of course, comes from less progressive states. Their argument is over whether the exchanges are really government agencies, to which the 1993 law applies. [Boustany’s letter of protest](http://waysandmeans.house.gov/uploadedfiles/obamacare_draft_application.pdf) (pdf). Issues for debate: 1. So – can/must they **do** that? Are these health-care exchanges government agencies, or are they not? 2. Waitaminnit, Congressman – if “The position of the question could lead some to think voter registration is somehow tied to healthcare eligibility” – where’s the harm in that? All good patriotic Americans like you and me, concerned with the civic health of our great republic, which of course depends on maximum citizen participation in it, **want** all eligible citizens to register to vote – **don’t we?** Eh?! [prods Boustany’s chest with index finger repeatedly] Eh?! ---
**Author:** ![bobot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobot/32/21622_2.png) [@bobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobot)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2013, 10:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-you-apply-for-aca-insurance-you-can-register-to-vote-gop-dont-like-that/669768/2 "2013-09-27T10:28:23Z")
The Republicans should celebrate poor people registering to vote in this fashion. Agter all, isn’t voter fraud the thing that Republicans are trying to combat when thay make registration difficult? These applicants will have all of their necessary paperwork and info handy. You just can’t please some folks, I guess. ---
**Author:** ![Crotalus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crotalus/32/41_2.png) [@Crotalus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crotalus)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2013, 11:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-you-apply-for-aca-insurance-you-can-register-to-vote-gop-dont-like-that/669768/3 "2013-09-27T11:14:34Z")
These exchanges are just web sites, right? So the state-run web site to choose health insurance will have a link to an already-existing state or county run web site that allows voter registration? Boustany is an idiot. ---
**Author:** ![Uber\_the\_Goober](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/58956e/32.png) [@Uber\_the\_Goober](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uber_the_Goober)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2013, 12:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-you-apply-for-aca-insurance-you-can-register-to-vote-gop-dont-like-that/669768/4 "2013-09-27T12:06:27Z")
I read his letter of dissent. Looks like he just doesn’t like the idea that the two are linked directly, and to him it appeared that “voter registration” would be inherent to, and perhaps considered a requirement for, ACA subsidized health insurance. That doesn’t sound like such a bad thing to say “Hey, watch out for this possibly unintended consequence, I don’t think those two things should be so close to one another” Mebbe? FWIW, I am as politically neutral as you can get, as I have no idea what any particular politician thinks, believes, wants, hates, etc. 'Cept maybe O’BLAMMA. So I’m certainly not on anyone’s side in this. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2013, 12:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-you-apply-for-aca-insurance-you-can-register-to-vote-gop-dont-like-that/669768/5 "2013-09-27T12:30:56Z")
I’m speculating that Boustany is concerned that some citizens who are registering for government assistance for their health care expenses might not fully appreciate how evil these programs are and might inadvertently vote the wrong way as a result. ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2013, 12:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-you-apply-for-aca-insurance-you-can-register-to-vote-gop-dont-like-that/669768/6 "2013-09-27T12:39:18Z")
> [@Uber\_the\_Goober](#): > > I read his letter of dissent. Looks like he just doesn’t like the idea that the two are linked directly, and to him it appeared that “voter registration” would be inherent to, and perhaps considered a requirement for, ACA subsidized health insurance. That doesn’t sound like such a bad thing to say “Hey, watch out for this possibly unintended consequence, I don’t think those two things should be so close to one another” > > Mebbe? Mebbe, if there were any **down** side to the unintended consequence, which in this case there ain’t. > [@Uber\_the\_Goober](#): > > 'Cept maybe O’BLAMMA. That’s a new variation. And a totally lameass one. :dubious: ---
**Author:** ![kanicbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/5f8ce5/32.png) [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2013, 12:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-you-apply-for-aca-insurance-you-can-register-to-vote-gop-dont-like-that/669768/7 "2013-09-27T12:46:13Z")
I can see a argument that it can be used to obligate a person to vote under deception. When a applicant files and may be told it is required that they be a registered voter and participate in the election process. That part of what the applicant is told would be a lie, but elections are a dirty game on all sides, so I could see it happening in some form, perhaps strong suggestions that they vote to keep their benefits - which quite ironically persuading them to vote may help that - if they would tend to vote for those who would seek to maintain/strengthen such a system. But is that a reason not to do it? Because of the possible few abuses that really just have people do what they have a right to do anyway. ---
**Author:** ![Ace309](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ace309/32/1050_2.png) [@Ace309](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ace309)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2013, 1:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-you-apply-for-aca-insurance-you-can-register-to-vote-gop-dont-like-that/669768/8 "2013-09-27T13:07:08Z")
> [@kanicbird](#): > > I can see a argument that it can be used to obligate a person to vote under deception. When a applicant files and may be told it is required that they be a registered voter and participate in the election process. That part of what the applicant is told would be a lie, … So, basically, your argument is that you can conceive of a ridiculous situation. Got it. ---
**Author:** ![zoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zoid/32/336_2.png) [@zoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zoid)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2013, 1:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-you-apply-for-aca-insurance-you-can-register-to-vote-gop-dont-like-that/669768/9 "2013-09-27T13:11:52Z")
> [@Uber\_the\_Goober](#): > > FWIW, I am as politically neutral as you can get, as I have no idea what any particular politician thinks, believes, wants, hates, etc. 'Cept maybe O’BLAMMA. > > So I’m certainly not on anyone’s side in this. Yes, you’re clearly a paragon of neutrality :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![Uber\_the\_Goober](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/58956e/32.png) [@Uber\_the\_Goober](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uber_the_Goober)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2013, 1:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-you-apply-for-aca-insurance-you-can-register-to-vote-gop-dont-like-that/669768/10 "2013-09-27T13:13:13Z")
> [@BrainGlutton](#): > > Mebbe, if there were any **down** side to the unintended consequence, which in this case there ain’t. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t see a downside. > [@BrainGlutton](#): > > That’s a new variation. > > And a totally lameass one. :dubious: Haha. Sorry for casting a bit of humor onto your Dear Leader. I may be in this boat with you, but it’s by pure coincidence, and I couldn’t give two shits who’s at the helm. ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2013, 1:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-you-apply-for-aca-insurance-you-can-register-to-vote-gop-dont-like-that/669768/11 "2013-09-27T13:29:55Z")
> [@Uber\_the\_Goober](#): > > Haha. Sorry for casting a bit of humor onto your Dear Leader. Lamer still. ---
**Author:** ![Shodan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2013, 1:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-you-apply-for-aca-insurance-you-can-register-to-vote-gop-dont-like-that/669768/12 "2013-09-27T13:51:27Z")
> [@BrainGlutton](#): > > if “The position of the question could lead some to think voter registration is somehow tied to healthcare eligibility” – where’s the harm in that? All good patriotic Americans like you and me, concerned with the civic health of our great republic, which of course depends on maximum citizen participation in it, **want** all eligible citizens to register to vote – **don’t we?** So if someone gets the idea that ACA is only available to registered voters, there is no downside? Regards, Shodan ---
**Author:** ![Uber\_the\_Goober](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/58956e/32.png) [@Uber\_the\_Goober](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uber_the_Goober)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2013, 1:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-you-apply-for-aca-insurance-you-can-register-to-vote-gop-dont-like-that/669768/13 "2013-09-27T13:52:51Z")
> [@zoid](#): > > Yes, you’re clearly a paragon of neutrality :rolleyes: Yup. Obama is the only one whose views I am even remotely aware of. Re-read the statement. ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2013, 3:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-you-apply-for-aca-insurance-you-can-register-to-vote-gop-dont-like-that/669768/14 "2013-09-27T15:21:54Z")
Anything that leads to more people voting is a big negative for today’s Republican party. ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2013, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-you-apply-for-aca-insurance-you-can-register-to-vote-gop-dont-like-that/669768/15 "2013-09-27T16:59:30Z")
> [@Uber\_the\_Goober](#): > > Yup. Obama is the only one whose views I am even remotely aware of. Re-read the statement. Wasn’t reading once punishment enough? ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2013, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-you-apply-for-aca-insurance-you-can-register-to-vote-gop-dont-like-that/669768/16 "2013-09-27T17:09:14Z")
What? “Dear Leader”? Not “The One”. Not “Messiah”? How can we advance to world domination if I can’t even get the fucking _memo_? ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2013, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-you-apply-for-aca-insurance-you-can-register-to-vote-gop-dont-like-that/669768/17 "2013-09-27T17:20:57Z")
> [@Shodan](#): > > So if someone gets the idea that ACA is only available to registered voters, there is no downside? > > Regards, > Shodan Well, it’s a confusion easily dispelled with a single question. If someone thinks not to ask it, then someone (1) gets the health insurance and (2) registers to vote – nope, no downside. ---
**Author:** ![steronz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steronz/32/11765_2.png) [@steronz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steronz)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2013, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-you-apply-for-aca-insurance-you-can-register-to-vote-gop-dont-like-that/669768/18 "2013-09-27T18:27:01Z")
> [@Shodan](#): > > So if someone gets the idea that ACA is only available to registered voters, there is no downside? > > Regards, > Shodan If someone gets the idea that drivers’ licenses are only available to registered voters… wait, that doesn’t happen. Nevermind. ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2013, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-you-apply-for-aca-insurance-you-can-register-to-vote-gop-dont-like-that/669768/19 "2013-09-27T18:30:35Z")
Number of people who had that idea at 8:51 am. One. Number of people what have it now? Still one. Its spreading like mildfire! ---
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2013, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-you-apply-for-aca-insurance-you-can-register-to-vote-gop-dont-like-that/669768/20 "2013-09-27T20:26:36Z")
> [@Shodan](#): > > So if someone gets the idea that ACA is only available to registered voters, there is no downside? > > Regards, > Shodan Here’s your mistake. You seem to think that your poor sixth grade dropout is stupider than a Republican Congressman from Louisiana. Here is an actual downside. The California website asks about one’s current health to help in estimating the level of coverage someone might need for next year. Totally optional, but it is possible to worry about the government collecting pre-existing condition information. But I’m hard pressed to see how a link to an application would make anyone thing being registered is required. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-you-apply-for-aca-insurance-you-can-register-to-vote-gop-dont-like-that/669768.md?page=2)