One ID? Not enough anymore

Election year is upon us, and with the election year comes the American duty to vote for the next leader of the free world.

American, that word has different meanings for everyone. One may view an American as anyone born in the United States.  To another, the process of naturalization equates to American equality. Since the 2008 election, states across the country began analyzing voting identification requirements in hopes of streamlining and determining who is truly eligible to vote.

This begs the question, why now?

Why does it matter now who shows up the polls? Is this not why our founders fought to create the legislation that allows all to participate in the selection of our next leader. If no other election before now has looked as close into the validity of those voting, why does it matter now? Simply put, to make President Obama a one term president.

As despicable as that sounds, I find that the shift in the political atmosphere is one for the books. The constant smear campaigning and mudslinging that is present with any political election is amplified now. And for what? To prove you’re the better candidate?  In my own personal opinion, anyone who has put forth the effort to obtain American identification, be it a simple state ID, a passport or even an application to begin the naturalization process shows effort. With that being said, I know that we do not live in such a world where these simplicities exist. A state issued government ID will be the staple this year, the gold standard to vote.  The notion that millions of “Americans” will be turned away from the polls because the picture ID presented 4 years ago is now invalid, only for this particular election of course, is saddening. Millions of people who came to America for a better life, those who work and make an honest living here will be denied a voice this year. Libertarian and equal opportunity groups cry “foul” and “racism” when presented these changes. How so? The major ethnic groups that this particular change targets are predominately Hispanics who migrated to America through the southern states, and African Americans who are unable to obtain identification for any number of reasons ranging from legal barriers to lack of transportation to the nearest dmv. I find that in these days, we have come far from hoses and dogs to have them morph into an updated form of discrimination.  The election that ushered in President Obama was one for the records, the staggering number of people who came out to vote was only matched in 1971 when the voting ages was lowered to 18. As a voter I am inclined to leave my id at home this year and avoid polling places all together. However, that would not be very American of me. Well, if the states have it their way, the lines will be shorter and you can rest assure any and all non-citizens will not present to voice their opinion about the country they also live in.