[–] totes_magotes 2 points -2 points 0 points (+0|-2) ago
Because of the 24th Amendment.
[–] Thisismyvoatusername 1 point 2 points 3 points (+3|-1) ago
But IDs can be obtained for free. In what way is that a tax?
[–] akuta 1 point 0 points 1 point (+1|-1) ago
Unfortunately, we're told that IDs can be obtained for free... But go down to the DMV (where they issue them here) and they still charge you for the card.
For example, here are the notes regarding ID cards directly from WA state's website:
Things to know
A standard ID card costs $54, an enhanced ID (EID) card $78. You’ll need to renew it every 6 years. Replacing a lost or stolen ID card costs $20. You can get an ID/EID card at any age. You can get an ID card at any of our driver licensing office locations and you can get an EID card at any of our EDL/EID offices. Parents/guardians – you can get an ID/EID card for your children. Your child must be with you at the office to get it.
That's $54... Not free. Not saying that we shouldn't require IDs to vote; however, if we're going to do that there needs an actual free option... Because otherwise it then involves payment to vote (which violates the 24th).
[–] totes_magotes 1 point 0 points 1 point (+1|-1) ago
Which government issued IDs can be obtained for free?
[–] Bigz_Sarducci 1 point -1 points 0 points (+0|-1) ago
Think of the women and children.....
[–] iphicles 1 point 0 points 1 point (+1|-1) ago
The difference is that those developed nations usually accept 10-20 different kinds of ID and their issuance isn't controlled by the government. Also, for some reason the US still forced people to pay for IDs.
But on the other hand, where did we get the idea that everyone should be allowed to vote? I say we go back to the old days: basic poll tax, literacy test, and basic questions about the candidates and initiatives you're voting on.
[–] ElectroGypsy 1 point 1 point 2 points (+2|-1) ago
Almost all developed nations makes it difficult to just move in. They don't throw their military everywhere to be the world's police. They have some sort of value add tax at the boarder to help offset trade deficit and remain competitive.
There's a lot of things other countries do to serve their own best interests that we don't. And the powers that be come up with excuses on why it doesn't apply to us. But in the end of the day it's us that pays for it.
[–] RevoltNow 0 points 3 points 3 points (+3|-0) ago (edited ago)
At least part of the reason is we have no national ID (other than passports which many Americans don't have) or requirement that people have an ID period. Obviously that's less true in practice. It's pretty hard to get by without one, and most adults have a state driver's license which is the de facto standard ID. But there was a time when the idea that everyone must have an ID would have been seen as unamerican. You know, the whole "papers, please" meme.