There are certain groups of Americans who are not required to have photo ids by state or federal law - Native Americans for one (I think that is still true). How else to ensure each citizen only votes once? I say bring on the ink! :o) Voter fraud has existed throughout our history.


>>>How else do you prevent fraud? I was surprised it wasn't already a requirement - really. I guess they could always require a photo id or that you mark your finger by dipping in semi-permanent ink (to prevent you from walking across town and voting again). That would send 50% of American voters home.
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>>You must have seen the ink stuff somewhere in Latin America, I guess. This practice is actually quite widespread over here, and often used in different kinds of elections. The ink can't be washed away, but disappears after a few days.
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>Ink has also been used in the U.S. sponsored elections in Iraq. I don't think Americans would tolerate it in their own elections, though. (Not saying that's a good thing or a bad thing, just saying I don't think American voters would accept leaving the polls with a stain that lasts several days).