My experience registering to vote
So, Attorney General Eric Holder opposes a new photo ID requirement in Texas elections because it would be harmful to minority voters. The No. 1 law enforcement officer in the land told members of the NAACP in Houston that the Justice Department “will not allow political pretexts to disenfranchise American citizens of their most precious right.”
Holder went on to say that “many of those without IDs would have to travel great distances to get them — and some would struggle to pay for the documents they might need to obtain them.” He then compared this idea to a poll tax, making reference to a fee used in some Southern states after slavery's abolition to disenfranchised black people.
Let me share with you my effort to register to vote. The day I turned 18, I hitchhiked 10 miles to the Rush County Courthouse in Rushville, Ind., to accomplish two very important steps in my becoming an adult, or at least an adult of age. I registered for the Selective Service (draft) and I became a registered American voter.
To accomplish these two life achievements, I had to show proof of who I was. Yes, I had to show my Indiana driver's license AND a copy of my birth certificate. I was then issued a voter registration ID card that I was proud to carry and show when asked to. Soon thereafter, I received my draft card, another document I was proud to carry and produce when need be.
Let me say that for anyone to claim it is too difficult or too expensive or just too much trouble to obtain and carry a voter ID card is ludicrous. If a person really wants to take part in the electoral process, get your voter ID and show it when you cast your vote. It has become all too easy to get an ID, so no more excuses.
Finally, one last thought on voter ID cards, if you don't have one or you claim you can't get one, well, here is a novel idea. When you take advantage of Obamacare, along with your higher taxes, ask the government to issue you a proper form of ID.
And shame of Eric Holder for race baiting again.
Gregory Gardner
Yuma
