The right and privilege of voting is the core of our democracy. Certainly it is important to us, as Americans, to ensure that those persons who vote are “stakeholders” in our great nation; that is, they are not citizens of another country or visitors. This is why we have voter registration – to ensure that those who vote are citizens of the United States. However, and perhaps even more critical, for our democracy to remain strong, we need citizens to vote. Participation in elections has fallen drastically over the past years. Even in an historical election like 2008, only around half of all eligible registered voters participated. Historically, we have not seen rampant fraud or attempts by foreign nationals or visitors to vote in our elections. The more pressing problem clearly is getting our own citizens, our own properly registered voters, to participate.

Under these circumstances, I am particularly dismayed by proposed legislation introduced by Senator Martin and Delegate Lingamfelter. They have a cadre of bills that increase identification requirements to supposedly reduce “fraud.” No longer will the voter registration card, issued by the registrar, be sufficient proof of identity to vote. Moreover, a voter will no longer be allowed to sign an affidavit stating his identity, but rather will need to produce a picture ID at the registrar’s office. This will make it even more difficult for some legally qualified and eligible citizens to register to vote. Almost 50% of African-Americans over 65 do not have drivers’ licenses so they don’t have the most common form of picture ID. Many times those who are poor or disabled also do not have drivers’ license; they may not be able to drive or not have the resources to obtain a license. To produce a picture ID to vote, those without licenses will need to go to the Department of Motor Vehicles and pay $10 for an identity card. But, this doesn’t just cost $10. They may need to take time off from work, or hire someone to watch their children, or take a taxi. And we all know DMV – this could be a long expedition, waiting in line, filling out papers, waiting in line again. It’s no exaggeration to say this could easily be a two hour activity, two hours of lost wages, two hours of paying a sitter and possibly paying for transportation to get there or taking someone else away from work to get a ride. The very individuals who can least afford to take the time or can least handle the physical stress will now have to put in the most effort, just to obtain a picture ID to be allowed to vote.

Some have called this a new version of a poll tax. While I hesitate to use such inflammatory language, I have serious concerns that these bills target those who are minorities and/or have fewest resources. I can’t help but wonder why these Republican legislators seem to want to discourage these people from voting, why they want to make it harder for these people to participate. They don’t seem to be introducing bills that would crack down on potential fraud in upper class communities or fraud perpetrated by CEO’s pressuring their employees to vote (or not vote) a certain way. Is there a reason these legislators are particularly concerned about the votes cast by minorities and the indigent? Could it be that these bills are really directed at reducing Democratic votes?

Instead of focusing on so-called fraud, I would ask my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join together to find ways to increase participation, to ensure that every American citizen has an easy and convenient way to exercise their right to participate in this democracy.

If you have questions about these or any other bills, please contact me at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or at (804) 698.7509. Additional information can be found at www.donaldmceachin.com.