Texas Voter I.D Law In recent years, the Texas legislature passed a law that required a state-issued photo ID in order to vote. By passing this law, a number of questions have been raised regarding the recent passing of legislation in Texas that requires individuals to possess a state-issued photo ID in order to be allowed to vote. However, some people argue that the law would suppress the voter turnout because it would restrict some groups of people from voting. Question regarding how much power states have in the regulation of election are also being raised, especially considering the fact that federal standard have broader law such as the Voting Rights Act and relevant constitutional provisions.…
Over many years the United States government wasn’t very successful until the year 1789 when the founding fathers created the constitution which was the stepping stone to create the government we have now. This government is known as a democracy. A democracy, according to Webster dictionary, is a form of government in which people choose leaders by voting. Voting is what makes a democracy different from the other forms of government. Unlike other countries United States citizens have the right to speak and vote for what they believe in.…
Since the information about how and when to register could be difficult to be accessed, some people have registration problems that stops them from voting. In addition, qualified voters tend to be discouraged from voting due to long waiting time and voter identification requirements. Some states require voters to bring identification document to verify their status to vote and that could potentially discourage voters from voting. Moreover, the voter turnout is decreased because convicted felons in some states are forbidden to vote.…
On the day of August 6, 1965, during the height of racial segregation and discrimination, the Voting Rights Act was signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson. This particular act strived to end the bias notion and harsh discrimination toward African Americans, particularly when voting. Congress later made changes to such an act as it needed refining and more clarification. This Act enforced both the fourteenth and fifthteenth amendment, as those were and are still the primary amendments pertaining to the rights of voters and the election process. According to the Department of Justice, this Act serves to be one of the most significant legislation in U.S. history as it changed our country and viewpoints for the better.…
Vast amounts of voters have been turned away due to not having the “sufficient identification” to appease the polling workers. In Texas alone, nearly 1.4 million people were disenfranchised by the new voting laws (Rhodan 1). It is baffling that the disenfranchisement of millions is noted as a worthy and justifiable result of “solving” a problem that does not exist. Not only are people being denied the right to vote, but they are also being purged off of voter rolls. Such is the case in Virginia, where 38,000 unsuspecting individuals were thrown off the register due to the new laws (Liebelson 1).…
The Texas Voter Id law implemented in 2011 is a law that has been debated upon by millions. The law states that a citizen who has previously registered must show some form of identification and is only limited to five types: Driver’s License, Passport, Military Id, Gun Permit, or a State Issued Identification Card. This requirement limits the population of voters and discourages many to come out to the polls. Voting is a constitutional right and one of the best tools in effecting public policy as a normal citizen. “The Constitution itself forbids the denial of equal protection and the exclusion of voters on specific grounds, such as race, sex, failure to pay a poll tax or other tax, and, for those eighteen years old or older, age.”…
Essay Component The Texas Voter ID Law raises controversy and many questions regarding how much power a state has over voter registration. When considering these points I answered several questions as to what this law is doing in our state and what it could do in the future. The controversy surrounding the Texas Voter ID Law in regard to the U.S Constitution and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 stems from the potential violation of poll taxes within the constitution and the act. Though the Texas Voter ID Law doesn’t violate the constitution by discrimination of race, sex, religion or age demonstrated within the 15th , 19th and 26th amendments, it could potentially violate the 24th amendment.…
As laws that require voters to present photo identification to poll workers before they can cast a ballot have grown in popularity in many state houses across the nation since the start of the 21st century, they have also been met with increased partisanship. Democrats argue that voter ID laws are systematically implemented to disenfranchise poor and minority voters who traditionally support Democratic candidates and Republicans assert that voter ID laws are necessary to prevent voter fraud and preserve the integrity of American…
Voter ID Laws: Limiting the Voting Process or Protecting American Citizens? In the past two decades, more and more attention has been given towards creating an “honest government,” having what is considered to be a more efficient way of voting, and protecting the rights of American citizens. The Voter Information Verification Act, more commonly known as the voter ID law, was passed in North Carolina in August of 2013. North Carolina is one of thirty-two states today, which are requiring voters to present a valid form of identification before they may be allowed to cast their vote.…
Many Texans are arguing that the voter ID laws are unconstitutional because they believe the new laws make it harder for minorities and other groups to vote. In a ProPublica article, “Attorney General Eric Holder and others have compared the laws to a poll tax, in which Southern states during the Jim Crow era imposed voting fees, which discouraged blacks, and even some poor whites -- until the passage of grandfather clauses -- from voting” (Howell, 2015, p.19). This makes it harder for people in poverty (many who are minorities) to vote because some cannot afford the fees. People in rural areas also argue against the law because they have difficulty obtaining the correct forms of ID. On the other hand, some Texans believe the voter ID law is a necessity because it prevents voter fraud.…
As of today, almost 6 million citizens are incarcerated and stripped of their given right to vote, these men and women have their voices, thoughts, and opinions silenced due to their past mistakes. “This is a fundamental question on democracy”, said the Sentencing Project’s executive director Marc Mauer. “These polices go back to the founding of this country.” (McLaughin 1). Although some might say that they have broken the law, therefore they should not be allowed to walk amongst decent people let alone be given the right to vote.…
The concept of voting is defined to be one of the most significant powers held by all individuals within a democratic form of government. The Fifteenth Amendment addresses the voting rights adhered to the citizens of America (Epps, theatlantic.com). Tracing back to the ratification of the Constitution, the Founding Fathers rooted the power concerning suffrage rights upon the independent states. Due to the states having the sole authority in establishing the laws concerning suffrage, restrictions were implemented that have evolved, but continue to be in existence within the democratic state of our country (Sidlow and Henschen 188-189). Expansion of the voting rights within the United States can be defined as one of the most remarkable achievements…
These days you have to show ID for everyday purposes. Buying alcohol, tobacco, firearms, also a car you are required to show some sort of identification. So by showing ID when you are about to vote wouldn’t be a…
Voting Rights Act (Critical Thinking Assignment) As passed in 1865, the first element in the formula was whether the state or a political subdivision of the state maintained a "test or device" restricting the opportunity to register and vote, by “test or device” they mean literacy tests, good moral, or another registered voter vouch. The second element of the formula would be satisfied if the Director of the Census determined that less than 50 percent of persons of voting age were registered to vote on November 1, 1964, or that less than 50 percent of persons of voting age voted in the presidential election of November 1964. In states that were fully covered, the state itself and all political subdivisions of the state are subject to the special…
States across the country are passing new voter ID laws. These laws happen to be supported strongly by Republicans and disapproved strongly by Democrats. The big question seems to be, does the new laws matter? The Indiana Supreme Court don’t think it matters.…