General Discussion

TBF

(37,089 posts)

38. I get that republicans are trying to limit who votes -

Thu Apr 30, 2026, 11:53 AM

Apr 30

But I do think it could be useful if we think about the possibilities. The easiest ID would be to issue the social security card to each baby born (I know we now apply for the numbers - I have all the docs in multiple copies from school admissions over the years). Why not issue that card formally at age 18 - both hard copy and app. Each person - one number. It could be used for voting if it had a current address and would be easy to update online.

I got this idea when my kids were younger and I was explaining the importance of voting. "Is there an app for it?" one of them asked - they were pretty young and were growing up with devices. And I thought - of course, why is it not an app? If we can pay taxes on-line, why not voting? Why not ID?

I know it's kind of pie in the sky, but that card gets us medicare/medicaid at a certain age, it would be great if it could be used for voting. And if I'm ambitious, I'm thinking it would be a great way to qualify folks for free healthcare when we integrate a single payer health care system.

I know, a dream. These are the kinds of things I think about ...

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Why is an ID mandate for voting such a problem? [View all] BlueWaveNeverEnd Apr 30 OP

A hunting license as ID? Jeebus. Redleg Apr 30 #1

I don't know about hunting license as ID to vote. But gun permits are kosher 70sEraVet Apr 30 #9

Retired nuns barred from voting in Indiana Emile Apr 30 #2

How were they doing in the past? Orangenero Monday #60

This was years ago. Google it. Emile Monday #62

Let's simplify it. Voter ID is NOT the issue. It is RESTRICTIVE ID... That means the type hlthe2b Apr 30 #3

Words matter - to your point, maybe we should all begin referring to these as 'restrictive ID laws.' n/t PatrickforB Apr 30 #10

This is exactly the reason. W_HAMILTON Apr 30 #12

We don't show id at the polls in Illinois although we do show it to register questionseverything Apr 30 #30

But a big new issue if SAVE passes (meaning save Republican pols' asses) is name matching birth certificate surname Attilatheblond Apr 30 #33

Rec.nt jfz9580m Apr 30 #15

It's essentially a poll tax. Liberal In Texas Apr 30 #4

Yup, unless the ID is a right, issued for free Johonny Apr 30 #18

My Grandmother jonstl08 Apr 30 #21

Our (GOP) county recorder sent letters out that seem to be suggesting people need to re-register Attilatheblond Apr 30 #35

Yes it is. And now, at the same time... ananda Apr 30 #45

The goal is to reduce the number of voters dlk Apr 30 #5

Exactly right - "Republicans want to choose their voters" Seinan Sensei Apr 30 #16

Republicans truly do not believe in democracy dlk Saturday #55

A solution designed to disenfranchise voters happy feet Apr 30 #6

DISTRACTION is the Republican M.O. Seinan Sensei Apr 30 #22

They are not trying to fix something that ain't broke. Blumancru Apr 30 #29

You are right about voter fraud being negligible. notinkansas Apr 30 #47

I'd be on board with a nation-wide ID program if it's free - TBF Apr 30 #7

Not needed happy feet Apr 30 #27

I get that republicans are trying to limit who votes - TBF Apr 30 #38

The problem is NOT the idea of an ID to vote. AverageOldGuy Apr 30 #8

The voting system works. That is why they want to fuck it up. twodogsbarking Apr 30 #11

When you get a Real ID drivers' license you have to present Ritabert Apr 30 #13

That Real ID license cost me time and money RainCaster Apr 30 #26

Exactly. They're trying to discourage people from going to all the trouble. Ritabert Apr 30 #43

Majority of Real ID isn't sufficient for the ID requirements Nevilledog Apr 30 #36

This message was self-deleted by its author Ritabert Apr 30 #44

It's not. Believing it won't make it true. Nevilledog Apr 30 #46

Even if the exact same documents COULD be used to prove citizenship, Ms. Toad May 1 #52

How many different formats of birth certificate are there? Retrograde Monday #61

In Texas, if you don't have an ID, you can file a "Statement of Reasonable Impediment" LeftInTX Apr 30 #14

Reasons.... OhioBack2Blue Apr 30 #17

In My PA, We Do This At Registration. At Voting, We Sign Our Name,....... ColoringFool Apr 30 #19

If they made IDs easy to obtain especially for married women and poor people it wouldn't be such a big deal Clouds Passing Apr 30 #20

In Fla it is free if you are on SNAP etc EX500rider Saturday #56

Excellent for FL, they've done something good! Clouds Passing Monday #58

If its not a problem then why are states and people still lagging with REal ID Historic NY Apr 30 #23

Only 5 states have an enhanced Real ID that could be used Nevilledog Apr 30 #39

It's the type of ID, I think. piddyprints Apr 30 #24

In 40 years voting happy feet Apr 30 #31

I would think so... piddyprints Apr 30 #34

We could, like some other countries, automatically register citizens when they are born. SidneyR Apr 30 #25

I laid out my thoughts above - you have the same kind of idea TBF Apr 30 #40

I always say to Republicans, "make them free" if you want them so bad. Most start complaining. RoeVWade Apr 30 #28

ID for voting isn't a problem SpankMe Apr 30 #32

I'm fine with needing an ID, as long as the government provides the ID for free. City Lights Apr 30 #37

I think they are basically accusing us of a crime and we have to prove we're innocent, that's wrong Walleye Apr 30 #41

I'm ok with ID laws D_Master81 Apr 30 #42

Older people in retirement homes will be screwed. kerry-is-my-prez May 1 #50

A driver's license (even if free) would not be sufficient under the SAVE act. Ms. Toad May 1 #53

It is to disenfranchise married women who don't have a passport. applegrove May 1 #48

We used to be able to vote with no id. Things didn't go to hell... kerry-is-my-prez May 1 #49

The SAVE ACT is about more than a Voter ID . Most States Already Have Voter ID Indykatie May 1 #51

Exactly LeftInTX Saturday #57

For starters, my gender isn't legally recognised in the US meadowlander May 1 #54

A college ID just says you go to school here, not residency. Melon Monday #59