>>>>>>>That all makes sense on a logical level. It's also clear that voter ID is aimed at people who are likely to vote for Democrats.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>I can't think of a single reason why every voter shouldn't be required to present a photo ID when voting. It's important to disregard what group this might affect and evaluate the rule on it's own; it's a pretty damn low bar.
>>>>>
>>>>>Because many of them don't have such an ID (turns out about 10% of PA voters have neither a drivers license nor the state-provided non-drivers photo ID). Getting such an ID can be expensive (both in actual costs and in work hours lost), difficult and time-consuming.
>>>>
>>>>I don't think claiming expense is a viable roadblock to obtaining an ID.
>>>>http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/driverlicensephotoidcenter/obtainingphotoid.shtml
>>>>
>>>>A couple minutes to fill out the form
>>>>A $13.50 fee.
>>>>Schedule DMV appt so you don't waste time in the office.
>>>>Hand over form & fee, show SS card, quick photo, in & out during lunch hour so no missed work.
>>>>
>>>
>>>Well, you've left out the expense of getting an acceptable ID such as a birth certificate, if you don't already have one.
>>
>>Birth cert copy in PA will cost you $20.
>>
>>>Also, to the best of my knowledge, PA doesn't make appointments for this stuff. You walk in, take a number and wait your turn.
>>
>>No appt, no problem, call the offices and ask for the least trafficked days/hours.
>>
>>>More to the point, doing this on your lunch hour only works if there's a center close enough to your work to do that. And, of course, if you don't drive (which is true for the people we're talking about), it has to be walking distance or you have to get someone to drive you or there has to be public transit.
>>>
>>>Tamar
>>
>>If lunch hour is not convienient how about on a day off? Unless your suggesting that the people we're talking about are working 8-5 M-F, 52 weeks a year, are walking or taking public transit to work and do not have any form of ID already.
>>
>>More to the point, it is not difficult, expensive nor complicated for a legal citizen to obtain an ID. I'll give you that it may be inconvienient but then so is filing taxes and we must do that every year. Acquiring an ID is a one time event. Renewal is available by mail and online.
>
>But that's Tamar's point, Jake. People who are living at wit's end, wondering how they are going to pay the rent, are not going to just plunk down $20.

Who are these people exactly who are working M-F 8-5 52 weeks a year and don't already have a valid ID or $20. Am I to believe that they cannot get a single day off this highly improbable work schedule to go to the DMV? Are they incapable of picking up a phone to call ahead and find the best time?

It has already been pointed out that financial hardship can be overcome.

In addition I find that people are quite resourseful at acquiring the means (transportation/funds) to get to a destination or event they want to attend. The hardship angle doesn't hold water except in VERY rare circumstances and even then I bet I could come up with a solution. It's inconvienient and without a prior need for one, that's why people go without them. Just like health care, oh wait...