Critics Cite Problems With Carter-Baker Commission National Voter I.D. Proposal
Feature Story by civilrights.org staff - 10/25/2005
Civil rights advocates have heavily criticized a proposal to implement a national voter I.D. system, issued September 19 by the Carter-Baker Commission on Election Reform.The proposed voter I.D. system would require voters to obtain and present a new I.D. that will soon be required under a recently-enacted federal law, the "REAL ID Act."
Critics say that while several of the commission's proposals are reasonable and needed, the I.D. proposal would be ineffective, deter voter turnout, and discriminate against older and minority voters. Critics also assailed the process used by the Carter-Baker Commission.
"The Carter-Baker Commission report is the result of a flawed process, so it is not surprising that its results are so underwhelming," said Ralph G. Neas, president of the People For the American Way. "The most troubling of the commission's conclusions is that citizens should be required to present a national identification card, known as the 'REAL ID' card, in order to vote. This would make it much harder for many Americans to vote."
Co-chaired by former President Jimmy Carter and former Secretary of State James A. Baker III, the commission was formed to propose changes to the federal election system. Calls for election reform have come in the wake of accusations of widespread discrimination and fraud in Florida in 2000 and in Ohio in 2004.
Other proposals in the commission's report include a universal voter registration system, requirements that states make voter registration more convenient, enhancements to electronic voting machines, and rules to prevent partisan leaders from overseeing elections.
In criticizing the proposed voter I.D. requirement, AARP noted that 36% of residents older than 75 do not have a driver's license.
The Leadership Conference on Civil Rights pointed out that blacks are five times less likely than whites to have access to a vehicle, and therefore are less likely to need a drivers' license.
The voter I.D. proposal would also undermine a citizen's fundamental right to privacy because the database of registrants could become a target for illegal activities, such as identity theft, critics say.
"We need stricter enforcement of existing election laws, not a hodge-podge of old proposals. We certainly don't need proposals that will make it harder for eligible citizens to vote," said Kay J. Maxwell, president of the League of Women Voters in a September 19 statement on the commission's findings.
