History taught us that poll taxes – a tax paid by a citizen for the right to vote – was unconstitutional. Such taxes were burdensome to the poor and almost always targeted poor blacks in southern states. In fact, almost all states imposing a poll tax prior to the Supreme Court decision were southern states.
The aim was clear – disenfranchise African American voters.
Many states outlaw use of photo ID cards at polling places
for the same reason. Forcing a person to buy a photo ID such as a driver’s
license, is placing an undue burden on those people who do not drive, do not
own a car, or simply cannot afford the license. People without transportation would
also find it most difficult to even arrange getting a driver’s license.
So, photo IDs were prohibited at polling places.
As an election judge for many years, we were grateful when a
voter handed us their ID when we could not understand the spelling of their
names. We needed that to find their voter registration material, but we did not
request such identification. Signature comparison was the sole ID proof
required. This legal issue was part of our training.
Party affiliation among poor and minority persons heavily
favors Democrats. That is why Republican controlled state legislators
continually strive to suppress voter participation in this manner.
It is a sick reality that the land of the free and brave
with hallowed freedoms and all, continues to be discriminatory against
minorities and poor. The same manipulation of voting rights is involved in
jerrymandering voter districts.
Perhaps we should return to one person – one vote?
Better yet, maybe we should consider outlawing political
parties?
February 23, 2021
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