Honest question: why would someone of a certain race be less likely to own ID?

I’m not being provocative, I don’t know the answer and the media says it’s a problem but not why.

I need ID to vote, by alcohol, get in to night clubs, collect secure post and so on. I just flash my licence and move on. Why is it not so easy for others?

I have asked here before, lots of people liked my comment but nobody replied.

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windinhishair · 61-69, M Best Comment

Some states require voter ID, but it can be difficult to obtain for certain groups, such as the poor or elderly. Those groups are less likely to have a drivers license or other ID. And those states deliberately make it difficult to obtain one by cutting locations and hours, and putting other roadblocks in the way. Those groups, particularly the poor, are disproportionately minorities, though they include whites as well.

My brother recently needed to renew his drivers license in Texas. He has lived there since 1971 and has driven and voted without a problem his entire adult life. But Texas is slowly losing Republican voters, so they have been implementing voter suppression efforts. When he went to renew his license, he found out that he needed to bring his birth certificate. Which he did, but even that wasn't enough as they would only take one that was certified by seal. His original birth certificate doesn't contain a seal because they didn't seal them in the 1950s. So now he has to apply for a sealed copy on his birth certificate from another state, pay $180 for it, wait a month, and then go back again and see if there are any other roadblocks to getting his ID that will allow him to drive and vote.

SirenCalledLuce · F

@windinhishair That is the best answer I’ve had so far. That makes sense, thank you. I’m still confused why it has anything to do with race. Someone of any ethnicity could face those challenges.

Pfuzylogic · M

@windinhishair
Hear Hear 👏🏻
We need more voting and not less.
I was proud of our last election and for those that stood in very long lines.

windinhishair · 61-69, M

@SirenCalledLuce Yes, that's true. Voter suppression efforts are most likely to affect the poor. Those are the people who may not have a car of other transportation, or extra money for birth certificates or other "proof" needed for voter ID. And the poor in the US is over-represented by minorities, so if you are a minority, you are more likely to be poor and to have difficulty navigating the roadblocks to a voter ID.

Frankly, the voter suppression efforts are just as effective on poor white voters as well, since the poor regardless of race or ethnicity are more likely to vote Democratic than Republican. And by taking more likely Democratic voters out of the voter pool, Republicans can govern long after their numbers no longer justify it.

windinhishair · 61-69, M

@Pfuzylogic Yes, that was amazing, and I won't be surprised if it happens again. People know when they are being screwed with.

SirenCalledLuce · F

@windinhishair Well thanks for answering my question. Most people either deviate or try turn it into a debate or an argument. Help yourself to some cake. 🍰

windinhishair · 61-69, M

@SirenCalledLuce Thank you for BC. I hope that helps understand what can be a tricky issue.

boudinMan · 61-69, M

texas allows you to renew your driver license online or by telephone up to 2 years after it has expired. https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/how-renew-your-texas-driver-license-motorcycle-license-or-identification#expired-more-than-two-years

windinhishair · 61-69, M

@boudinMan The Secondary Identification Documents require a certified birth certificate or equivalent. Your existing TX drivers license will NOT suffice.

https://www.dps.texas.gov/internetforms/Forms/DL-57.pdf

boudinMan · 61-69, M

@windinhishair that's for a first time texas driver license... you said renewal.

windinhishair · 61-69, M

@boudinMan A certified birth certificate or other proof of identity is now required in Texas for renewals.

boudinMan · 61-69, M

@windinhishair apparently, they need to update their web site then.

FlowersNButterflies · 61-69, F

@windinhishair Generating State revenue, those measures could constitute poll tax. Somebody needs to take it to the ACLU. For that is how voting costs are generated to a State agency where people can't afford to vote now.

boudinMan · 61-69, M

@FlowersNButterflies um, how about a free state ID, is that too expensive?

FlowersNButterflies · 61-69, F

Not in the Biden admin. I was thinking just that as I posted, because you are correct.@boudinMan

boudinMan · 61-69, M

@FlowersNButterflies the biden admin (or any other presidential administration) has nothing whatsoever to do with state driver's licenses and ID's.

FlowersNButterflies · 61-69, F

@boudinMan Yes, it does. The current Texas attempted legislation speaks to federal elections,too. When federal law is controlling, States generally fall in line (example Americans with Disabilities and Amendments Act).

In addition, any attempt to institute discriminatory actions (racial, disability, income challenged) can and should be taken to federal courts. Any entities which receives federal funding are mandated to comply with federal laws. States do.

When a State ties one State agency (drivers' licenses) to a federal program (voting) is not going to prevail.

boudinMan · 61-69, M

@FlowersNButterflies i'm talking about state ID's. you're talking about election laws.

FlowersNButterflies · 61-69, F

When you vote in your State for president, VP, Congress, you are using State facilities, resources and personnel. When you are driving on a federal highways in your State, different laws apply. Same issue applies with many other agencies in States which exist to serve federal needs like federal courts in your State.

So the idea of Texas seceding from the union are childlike and foolish, not that it is your argument, just that a lot of people see "socialism" but not "federalism" instead.

See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federalism @boudinMan