In a democratic society, the right to vote is as fundamental as the freedom of speech. Yet, the debate about Voter ID laws continues to divide us, raising questions about access, fairness, and integrity in our electoral process. At the same time, we are on the cusp of nationwide enforcement of the Real ID Act, an initiative designed to heighten security and standardize identification across all states. But what if these two seemingly separate issues are more connected than we think?
As of August 2023, 34 states require identification at the polls, with 23 requiring photo IDs. Critics argue that these requirements disproportionately burden certain voters, particularly disadvantaged minorities, and are unnecessary given the rarity of in-person voter fraud. Yet, come May 7, 2025, all U.S. travelers will need a Real ID—a more secure, standardized form of identification—to board domestic flights and enter certain federal facilities.
The irony here is palpable. If obtaining an ID for voting is seen as burdensome for some citizens, wouldn’t the same hold true for obtaining a Real ID? If we argue that Voter ID laws disproportionately disadvantage certain groups, shouldn’t we be equally concerned about the potential impact of the Real ID Act? And if we accept the necessity of a Real ID to ensure secure and reliable identification for travel and federal facility access, should we not also accept the value of such identification in protecting the sanctity of our elections?
We, at this publication, believe in consistency in our laws and policies. We believe in a fair and equitable society where every citizen has the same access to their rights, be it the right to vote or the right to travel freely within our own borders. We cannot cherry-pick when identification is necessary and when it’s not.
Therefore, we call upon lawmakers to approach these issues with a consistent lens. If we demand a Real ID for security and standardization, we should also recognize the value of Voter ID laws in ensuring the integrity of our elections. And if we argue that obtaining an ID for voting is burdensome, we must work to make the process of acquiring a Real ID more accessible and less burdensome as well.
Most importantly, we must ensure that no citizen is left behind. If an ID is required to vote or to board a plane, then every citizen must have equal access to obtain that ID, regardless of their socioeconomic status, race, or location.
We urge you, our readers, to contact your lawmakers and demand consistency in our laws. Let’s work together to ensure that our democratic processes and our security measures are fair, equitable, and accessible to all. After all, in a country built on the principles of freedom and equality, shouldn’t our laws reflect those very same values?
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