SO I was asked for a photo ID at the polls yesterday. On principle, I refused. I was handed a notice stating that I would be required to show a photo ID in November, and it listed the acceptable forms of ID. Interestingly, my government issued voter ID card isn't acceptable (no photo). What I also found interesting was that I could refuse to show photo ID and still be able to cast a provisional ballot. I'd then have to go to the elections office at the county courthouse within six days and show one of the approved forms of ID, or affirm that I am who I say I am in order to have my ballot counted. Say what?? Affirm?? What exactly does that mean? Lets go to Dictionary.com:
af·firm
[uh-furm] Show IPA
verb (used with object)
1.
to state or assert positively; maintain as true: to affirm one's loyalty to one's country; He affirmed that all was well.
2.
to confirm or ratify: The appellate court affirmed the judgment of the lower court.
3.
to assert solemnly: He affirmed his innocence.
4.
to express agreement with or commitment to; uphold; support: to affirm human rights.
verb (used without object)
5.
Law .
a.
to state something solemnly before a court or magistrate, but without oath.
b.
to ratify and accept a voidable transaction.
c.
(of an appellate court) to determine that the action of the lower court shall stand.
Oh my! No photo ID required! Now isn't affirming our identity what we've been doing all along when we sign the voter card at the polls? Why is it necessary to make this affirmation at the courthouse before a bureaucrat who likely doesn't know me, but I can't make this affirmation at the polls, where all the poll workers know me? What is this law supposed to prevent anyway? The only thing I can't think of is to prevent someone from impersonating another at the polls, a situation that rarely, if ever, happens. SO, other than throwing a roadblock before people who don't have the appropriate ID, what, exactly, is the point?
af·firm
[uh-furm] Show IPA
verb (used with object)
1.
to state or assert positively; maintain as true: to affirm one's loyalty to one's country; He affirmed that all was well.
2.
to confirm or ratify: The appellate court affirmed the judgment of the lower court.
3.
to assert solemnly: He affirmed his innocence.
4.
to express agreement with or commitment to; uphold; support: to affirm human rights.
verb (used without object)
5.
Law .
a.
to state something solemnly before a court or magistrate, but without oath.
b.
to ratify and accept a voidable transaction.
c.
(of an appellate court) to determine that the action of the lower court shall stand.
Oh my! No photo ID required! Now isn't affirming our identity what we've been doing all along when we sign the voter card at the polls? Why is it necessary to make this affirmation at the courthouse before a bureaucrat who likely doesn't know me, but I can't make this affirmation at the polls, where all the poll workers know me? What is this law supposed to prevent anyway? The only thing I can't think of is to prevent someone from impersonating another at the polls, a situation that rarely, if ever, happens. SO, other than throwing a roadblock before people who don't have the appropriate ID, what, exactly, is the point?