Nathan Moore's Thoughts
A Helpful Photo ID Service Brought to You By Us, Special Cards for Everybody (Almost)
I promise I will not rename this blog VoterPhotoIDThoughts.com, but here is some more helpful information that even further dampens the argument against requiring a photo ID to vote. The following is from the Tennessee Department of Safety’s website
Tennessee Identification (ID Only) License
There are two types of identification licenses which may be obtained for identification purposes only. No testing is required. However, all applicants must meet the same standards for proof of identity and residency as are required for any driver license. ID’s are not valid for vehicle operation. If an applicant is under the age of 18, a responsible adult must complete a portion of the Minor/Teen-age Affidavit and Cancellation form (available at any driver license station or online by clicking here) at the time of application.
- The first type of ID license is an “Expiring Identification License” that may be issued to any person not currently holding a valid driver license who presents positive proof of identification and all other requirements needed to obtain a driver license.Please Note: At age 65 or older, the ID does not expire.
Any applicant who does not have a social security number shall complete an affidavit, under penalty of perjury, affirming that the applicant has never been issued a SSN, and must provide either an original or certified copy of one of the following.
(a) Birth Certificate issued by Tennessee or another state, possession, territory or commonwealth of the USA.
(b) Documentation issued by the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service acceptable to the Department of Safety.
- The second type is a “permanent identification license” that any person who is mentally retarded or physically handicapped may obtain. In addition to presenting a positive proof of identification, they must submit a certified statement from a licensed doctor stating they are unable to operate a vehicle. Those who qualify for this ID may receive it free of charge. ID licenses issued in this manner do not expire.
Thus, the elderly and the disabled only have to go once, and will never have to go again. There are four convenient locations to get your ID in both Davidson and Shelby County. Nashville’s bus map is here (MTA access ride is here) and Memphis’ map is here (MATAPlus info can be found here).
However, that isn’t all, is it? There were other reliable Democrat voting blocks that would supposedly be “disadvantaged” by the law. You may note that though there are indigency provisions in the law, which cover the impoverished; however. there is not a special ID card for black people. Surely my Democrat friends aren’t after that - that would be a bit Old South, wouldn’t it .. ? Because, all the other complaints against ensuring the integrity of the vote with a photo ID requirement are, quite simply, gone with the wind.
March 7th, 2009 at 8:13 pm
So the right to vote would now depend on our somewhat interesting bus system? You have mentioned some different kinds of government I.D.s and suggested that this bus option provides the answer to all of us who are not for this transparent attempt to keep people from voting. If we are about making voting inconvient, lets just get rid of these neighborhood voting sites and tell folks to take the bus (and don’t forget to study the bus transer system carefully).
Right now there is already a requirement that identification be presented. What proof do you have which justifies this dramatic departure from long-time practice. Your attacks on the League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan group which is not about electing Democrats or Republicans,is puzzling. I really don’t mean to sound harsh because I know you by reputation to be someone who has supported thoughtful positions in the past. But I think you’re off base here.