# Why is requiring an ID to vote a problem, but no one is upset by having to have ID to register? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [July 30, 2012, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-requiring-an-id-to-vote-a-problem-but-no-one-is-upset-by-having-to-have-id-to-register/629895 "2012-07-30T21:32:45Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 16\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Tastes\_of\_Chocolate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tastes_of_chocolate/32/3232_2.png) [@Tastes\_of\_Chocolate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tastes_of_Chocolate)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2012, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-requiring-an-id-to-vote-a-problem-but-no-one-is-upset-by-having-to-have-id-to-register/629895/1 "2012-07-30T21:32:45Z")
I’m hearing lots of complaints about attempts to require an ID to vote in US elections. The most common one I see is: It’s an attempt by the republicans to deny the vote to poor by making it to difficult to vote. But I never see complaints about the fact that it already usually requires an ID to register to vote. Below is the MN requirements to register. Now you can register without an ID, but you have to have another person sign an oath saying you are eligable, or you have to have a registration under a different name, in the same precinct. So why is Voter ID so contriversial, but the IDs to register aren’t? [Minnesota’s](http://www.sos.state.mn.us/index.aspx?page=204) requirements to register to vote: > [@](#): > > Registering on Election Day > If you are not registered to vote or need to update your registration information, you may do so at your local polling location on Election Day as long as you can provide proof of residence. > > To register at your polling place on Election Day, you must bring one of the following with your current name and address to verify your residence in the precinct : > > •A valid Minnesota driver’s license, learner’s permit, Minnesota ID card, or receipt for any of these > •A valid student ID card including your photo, if your college has provided a student housing list to election officials > •A Tribal ID card that contains your picture and signature > •A valid registration in the same precinct under a different name or address > •A notice of late registration sent to you by your county auditor or city clerk > •A voter registered in the same precinct as you who can confirm your address with a signed oath > •An employee of the residential facility where you live who can confirm your address with a signed oath > •Both 1) a photo ID from the list below, and 2) a current bill from the list below with your current name and address in the precinct > > Photo IDs (may be expired) > •Minnesota Driver’s License > •Minnesota ID Card > •United States Passport > •United States Military ID Card > •Tribal ID Card > •Minnesota University, College, or Technical College ID Card > > Bills (delivered electronically or by mail) > •Utility bill due within 30 days of election day: > ◦Telephone (landline, cell, VOIP, etc.) > ◦TV (cable, satellite, etc.) > ◦Internet services > ◦Electric > ◦Gas > ◦Solid Waste > ◦Sewer Services > ◦Water > •Rent statement dated within 30 days of election day that itemizes utilities > •Current student fee statement ---
**Author:** ![The\_Lurker\_Above](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/dc4da7/32.png) [@The\_Lurker\_Above](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Lurker_Above)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2012, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-requiring-an-id-to-vote-a-problem-but-no-one-is-upset-by-having-to-have-id-to-register/629895/2 "2012-07-30T21:43:52Z")
> [@Tastes\_of\_Chocolate](#): > > But I never see complaints about the fact that it already usually requires an ID to register to vote. From a quick look at the website those aren’t the requirements to register, they’re the requirements for **same-day** registration. There is a mail-in form for pre-registering that does not seem to require photo ID at all. ---
**Author:** ![gatorslap](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/bb73d2/32.png) [@gatorslap](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gatorslap)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2012, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-requiring-an-id-to-vote-a-problem-but-no-one-is-upset-by-having-to-have-id-to-register/629895/3 "2012-07-30T22:29:22Z")
“A voter registered in the same precinct as you who can confirm your address with a signed oath” is not an ID. ---
**Author:** ![denquixote](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b9bd4f/32.png) [@denquixote](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/denquixote)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2012, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-requiring-an-id-to-vote-a-problem-but-no-one-is-upset-by-having-to-have-id-to-register/629895/4 "2012-07-31T01:57:56Z")
The forms of identification that are necessary to register are insufficient for voting purposes in states which have tightened the voting law. My state requires a picture ID of a specific type and which is unexpired. In some states acquiring sufficient identification can cost $35, a needless burden on the poor and having the same effect as a poll tax. And what happens if you are waiting in a long line at 7:00p.m. or whenever polls close and you realize you forgot your driver’s license? ---
**Author:** ![President\_Johnny\_Gentle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/5f9b8f/32.png) [@President\_Johnny\_Gentle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/President_Johnny_Gentle)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2012, 2:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-requiring-an-id-to-vote-a-problem-but-no-one-is-upset-by-having-to-have-id-to-register/629895/5 "2012-07-31T02:02:52Z")
With regards to the Minnesota id - the month my wife and I got married, we went to vote in a primary election. We were fairly ignorant on the requirements for same-day registration and only one of us had the correct documentation. The poll workers’ solution was for that person to register and then vouch for the other with a signed oath. ---
**Author:** ![drewtwo99](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d07c76/32.png) [@drewtwo99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drewtwo99)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2012, 3:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-requiring-an-id-to-vote-a-problem-but-no-one-is-upset-by-having-to-have-id-to-register/629895/6 "2012-07-31T03:03:25Z")
> [@President\_Johnny\_Gentle](#): > > With regards to the Minnesota id - the month my wife and I got married, we went to vote in a primary election. We were fairly ignorant on the requirements for same-day registration and only one of us had the correct documentation. The poll workers’ solution was for that person to register and then vouch for the other with a signed oath. Why do you hate freedom? ---
**Author:** ![adaher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dec6dc/32.png) [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2012, 12:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-requiring-an-id-to-vote-a-problem-but-no-one-is-upset-by-having-to-have-id-to-register/629895/7 "2012-07-31T12:10:48Z")
Voter ID at the polls accomplishes very little. The real fraud is in registration and absentee balloting. If we tighten up the registration process, by requiring proof of identity, and having a system where registration in one place automatically deletes you from every other place you are registered, then ID at the polls would be unnecessary. But if you don’t have a registration process with integrity, all voter ID does is require non-citizens and people voting twice to just show ID when they do it. ---
**Author:** ![Tristan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tristan/32/18058_2.png) [@Tristan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tristan)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2012, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-requiring-an-id-to-vote-a-problem-but-no-one-is-upset-by-having-to-have-id-to-register/629895/8 "2012-07-31T14:03:56Z")
The 3 states I have registered to vote in have no required an ID to do so. Just a mail in card, and then I tell them my name at my polling place. Montana, California, and Pennsylvania. That being said, I have been asked for my ID the last 3 times I have voted in PA that I can remember, and possibly more. I didn’t think anything of it at the time, but I’m curious now as to what was happening there… ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2012, 2:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-requiring-an-id-to-vote-a-problem-but-no-one-is-upset-by-having-to-have-id-to-register/629895/9 "2012-07-31T14:17:21Z")
> [@Tastes\_of\_Chocolate](#): > > So why is Voter ID so contriversial, but the IDs to register aren’t? Because the former is a fairly blatant attempt to keep likely Democratic voters away, and the latter is a sensible requirement? ---
**Author:** ![Tastes\_of\_Chocolate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tastes_of_chocolate/32/3232_2.png) [@Tastes\_of\_Chocolate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tastes_of_Chocolate)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2012, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-requiring-an-id-to-vote-a-problem-but-no-one-is-upset-by-having-to-have-id-to-register/629895/10 "2012-07-31T16:28:55Z")
> [@The\_Lurker\_Above](#): > > From a quick look at the website those aren’t the requirements to register, they’re the requirements for **same-day** registration. There is a mail-in form for pre-registering that does not seem to require photo ID at all. True, but to register by mail, you have to plan ahead of time, and I don’t see a lot of people sitting around in August, filling out bogus registration forms, so they can duplicate vote in November. In addition, a postcard is sent out to the address you register from. So either there will be a record of 100 people all saying they live in the same house, or a bunch of addresses are going to be surprise to find that they have a newly registered voter living with them. > [@gatorslap](#): > > “A voter registered in the same precinct as you who can confirm your address with a signed oath” is not an ID. You are correct, and I even mentioned that in my OP. But like **The Lurker Above** ’s response, I don’t see a lot of people gathering up someone to sign an oath, just to vote a second time. ---
**Author:** ![babygoat666](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/2acd7d/32.png) [@babygoat666](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/babygoat666)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2012, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-requiring-an-id-to-vote-a-problem-but-no-one-is-upset-by-having-to-have-id-to-register/629895/11 "2012-07-31T16:34:09Z")
> [@Tastes\_of\_Chocolate](#): > > You are correct, and I even mentioned that in my OP. But like **The Lurker Above** ’s response, I don’t see a lot of people gathering up someone to sign an oath, just to vote a second time. [Citation needed] ---
**Author:** ![Gedd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gedd/32/4938_2.png) [@Gedd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gedd)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2012, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-requiring-an-id-to-vote-a-problem-but-no-one-is-upset-by-having-to-have-id-to-register/629895/12 "2012-07-31T17:39:56Z")
> [@Tastes\_of\_Chocolate](#): > > I’m hearing lots of complaints about attempts to require an ID to vote in US elections. The most common one I see is: It’s an attempt by the republicans to deny the vote to poor by making it to difficult to vote. I don’t understand this; how do we know that all the poor people are democrats? > [@adaher](#): > > Voter ID at the polls accomplishes very little. The real fraud is in registration and absentee balloting. I see this as more likely. “Here homeless guy, I’ll help you register to vote absentee. Then sign the ballot, give it to me and I’ll give you $$.” ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2012, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-requiring-an-id-to-vote-a-problem-but-no-one-is-upset-by-having-to-have-id-to-register/629895/13 "2012-07-31T17:42:28Z")
> [@Gedd](#): > > I don’t understand this; how do we know that all the poor people are democrats? We don’t, because they aren’t. However, the demographic groups which are least likely to have photographic ID are overwhelmingly Democratic. ---
**Author:** ![Tastes\_of\_Chocolate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tastes_of_chocolate/32/3232_2.png) [@Tastes\_of\_Chocolate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tastes_of_Chocolate)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2012, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-requiring-an-id-to-vote-a-problem-but-no-one-is-upset-by-having-to-have-id-to-register/629895/14 "2012-07-31T20:35:10Z")
> [@babygoat666](#): > > [Citation needed] Citation for what? That I already said something in my own OP? ---
**Author:** ![Nom\_de\_Plume](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/85f322/32.png) [@Nom\_de\_Plume](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nom_de_Plume)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2012, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-requiring-an-id-to-vote-a-problem-but-no-one-is-upset-by-having-to-have-id-to-register/629895/15 "2012-08-01T01:39:03Z")
The right to vote is not guaranteed in the constitution, but it’s wrong to require ID to vote. OK. But why is it not wrong to require ID to buy a gun, a right that is in the constitution? ---
**Author:** ![magellan01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@magellan01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/magellan01)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2012, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-requiring-an-id-to-vote-a-problem-but-no-one-is-upset-by-having-to-have-id-to-register/629895/16 "2012-08-01T01:55:19Z")
> [@Nom\_de\_Plume](#): > > The right to vote is not guaranteed in the constitution, but it’s wrong to require ID to vote. OK. But why is it not wrong to require ID to buy a gun, a right that is in the constitution? Interesting point.