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Question of voter ID heats up as Donald Trump and Elon Musk back it, but opposition explains the problem

Trump and Musk agree with states implementing voter IDs, even though it would disproportionally affect communities of color and lower-income families

WASHINGTON, DC: New voting laws implemented in US states could significantly impact the outcome of the 2024 general election.

Over 40 states have passed new voting laws, with at least 14 states making it harder to vote. Nearly half of all states have passed legislation to make it easier to vote.

The changes in voting laws come after the adjustments made during the 2020 election due to the pandemic.

A Brennan Center report reveals that 14 states have passed legislation that makes it harder to vote, particularly targeting voter registration, mail-in voting, and voter ID laws, which disproportionately affect voters of color.

Donald Trump and Elon Musk back voter IDs

Tech billionaire Elon Musk and former president Donald Trump seem to back the prospect of introducing voter IDs despite the fact that it might restrict people from voting, in the first place.

Several states have passed restrictive voting laws that target 'get-out-the-vote' organizations. These new laws could lead to disputes over election certification, giving more power to partisan state lawmakers or the courts.

The push for more restrictive voting laws is fueled by false claims that the 2020 election was stolen.

However, almost half of the states have passed expansive voting laws, providing additional early voting days, easier mail-in voting options, improved access to drop boxes, and requirements for voter registration forms in jails and high schools.

The changes to restrictive voting laws could affect the 2024 election outcome, particularly in states where the margin of victory in 2020 was less than two percent.

Donald Trump’s opponents explain the shortcomings of implementing Voter IDs

Millions of Americans experience a plethora of barriers when attempting to obtain voter IDs. While it might seem simple and commonplace for some, possessing an ID can be difficult for many, given the numerous obstacles that exist.

People may need to change or update their IDs for a variety of reasons, such as a change in name or citizenship status, gender, an expired ID, or a move.

In 2021, nearly 42 million people relocated, and when updates are required, the process can be lengthy, convoluted, and confusing.

To obtain or update IDs, people must provide a significant amount of identification documentation, which can create a circular process, with individuals struggling to acquire one piece of documentation that can then prevent them from obtaining an ID in the first place.

The study published in Democracy Docket reveals that between 15 and 18 million people in the US lack access to documents that provide proof of their birth or citizenship, which can be crucial in obtaining other forms of IDs.

Obtaining identifying documents can also be expensive, particularly for transgender individuals who need to complete a legal name change to align with their gender identity.

According to the report, 34% of transgender individuals spent more than $250 to complete the change, with an additional 11% spending over $500. Moreover, 35% were unable to change their name due to the high costs involved.

Birth certificates cost over $50 on average, and driver's licenses can cost up to $89. Other issues include the limited availability of ID services and the inconsistent policies in different areas.

ID offices typically operate during business hours and are often located far away. For rural individuals who lack transportation or cannot afford to miss work, this can be an arduous barrier.

The requirements for photo ID can impact voters' ability to cast their votes.

The lack of proper identification can have a detrimental effect on various aspects of life, but one of the most significant is the restriction of an individual's right to vote.

In the past, no state had ever enforced the use of government-issued photo identification to vote.

States implement stricter voter IDs rules

However, this has changed, and now many states have such requirements in place. Fifteen states require some form of identification to vote, with ten states mandating a photo ID, and an additional twelve states requesting it but not requiring it.

Some states also require identification to register to vote, which can cause significant problems.

A report highlighted studies in Kansas found that after the state implemented its voter registration law in 2013, over 63,000 people were prevented from registering to vote in just four years. Almost all of them were eligible to vote.

Republicans in Georgia have exploited voter IDs. In 2017, a law was passed in Georgia that required an "exact match" between an individual's name on their ID and on their voter registration.

Targeting of people of color

The next year, over 51,000 people were flagged, 80% of whom were Black, Latino, or Asian, and the discrepancies were sometimes as minor as "John" versus "Johnathan."

Although a lawsuit led to the law being overturned in 2019, this highlights how voter ID laws can be used to target certain communities.

Numerous studies have shown that strict photo ID requirements to vote discourage voter turnout and disproportionately harm certain communities, including voters of color and young voters.

However, Republicans are pushing for strict ID requirements in the courts despite clear data exposing the dangers of such requirements for vulnerable communities.

They are actively litigating in favor of voter suppression laws that exploit the difficulties of obtaining identification in the name of "election integrity."

'Surgical strike on young Idaho's voters'

In Idaho, Republicans are defending a new voter suppression law that eliminates the use of a student ID as an acceptable form of ID for in-person voting.

This legislation makes it especially cumbersome for young people to access photo IDs, and student IDs are one of the easiest and most affordable ways for students to prove their identity.

The plaintiffs in the case argue that the legislation is a "surgical attack on young Idaho's voters."

In a consolidated lawsuit out of Georgia, litigation is ongoing over the state's voter suppression law.

Among the provisions being challenged is one that requires voters applying for a mail-in ballot to provide a driver's license, a state identification card, or a copy of an alternative identification in order to vote.

Similarly, Ohio, which once allowed an extensive list of accepted IDs, now requires one of just four forms of voter ID to vote in person.

A lawsuit challenging the legislation alleges that the restrictions heavily restrict Ohioans' access to the polls and particularly burden young, elderly, Black, and overseas voters.

These discriminatory barriers to obtaining IDs can be addressed. IDs should only be requested if absolutely necessary to access basic needs and essential services of everyday life.

If IDs are going to be necessary, states should simplify documentation requirements and processes whenever possible.

The cost of acquiring driver's licenses, passports, or birth certificates should be eliminated to alleviate the burden of ID requirements and address inequities.

Similarly, IDs should be as easy to get as possible, which could be done with expanded hours, the utilization of mobile and online services, and public education and outreach about opportunities for securing identification.

The report exposes numerous systemic problems to obtaining IDs and makes clear the serious burdens one can face if they do not have proper identification.

The report argues that one's voting rights should not be dependent on their demographic or income status, yet that is the reality for many.

The report recommends minimum federal standards for ID accessibility and the reduction of discrimination in policies and policy administration, which could be achieved through staff training and outreach programs to communities most burdened by discriminatory policies.

What do Americans on X think about this development ahead of 2024 polls?

Americans on X have voiced their opinions, some in favor, and some against these restrictive measures that have come to light.

One X user said, "Dont forget.... Arizona will now take you to court if you want to hand count ballots instead of using machines connected to the internet. Imagine that."

Another user remarked, "Because it’s the only way they can swing an election."

Another X user quipped, "Because that is the only way they win it is called corruption"

One user stated, "And also people can go county to county voting without voter ID, even though they don’t even live in that county get the picture?"

Another X user wrote, "Why do republicans gerrymander so much? They know they can’t win on policy! This ain’t hard Tom!"

Another user said, "Only ones committing intentional voter fraud in 2020 were Cons. Wonder why?"

One X user stated, "Why do conservatives try to keep people of color from voting ? In that last election in Mississippi there weren't enough ballots for people to vote"

And finally, this user tweeted, ""Cleaning election rolls" is a pretty wild euphemism for purging eligible voters."