Last week, North Carolina Republican Party Chairman Robin Hayes released a biting statement after our state's progressive Democratic governor, Bev Perdue, vetoed a simple yet necessary voter-identification bill, HB-351, that would require voters to show a photo ID before they are allowed to cast their ballots.
"When given a chance to boost voter confidence, Governor Perdue again chose to appease her liberal base in order to boost her floundering re-election campaign while ignoring an overwhelming majority of North Carolinians who supported this common-sense bill. Governor Perdue's veto is not surprising, and as unemployment in North Carolina remains at 9.7% for the third straight month, it is clear 'The Jobs Governor' is only concerned with one job, her own," the NCGOP leader said.
Perdue's rationale on its face is specious. She stated: "The right to choose our leaders is among the most precious freedoms we have — both as Americans and North Carolinians. North Carolinians who are eligible to vote have a constitutionally guaranteed right to cast their ballots, and no one should put up obstacles to citizens exercising that right. We must always be vigilant in protecting the integrity of our elections. But requiring every voter to present a government-issued photo ID is not the way to do it. This bill, as written, will unnecessarily and unfairly disenfranchise many eligible and legitimate voters. The legislature should pass a less extreme bill that allows for other forms of identification, such as those permitted under federal law."
North Carolina is not unique. In states where Democrats reign, there are no efforts to pass or enforce voter-identification legislation. For example, in too many states when registering to vote, applicants merely have to check off the box that says "U.S. Citizen." No identification required or follow up conducted to confirm U.S. citizenship — just a simple check in the appropriate box. The same applies to the question regarding conviction for a felony.
Reports of ineligible people registering to vote have raised concerns about state processes for verifying voter-registration lists. States usually base voter eligibility on the voter's age, U.S. citizenship, mental competence and felon status.
The truth is that most services and programs offered by federal, state and local government agencies require proof of eligibility. In North Carolina, the Department of Motor Vehicles requires two acceptable pieces of identification.
Apply for Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security or a passport without proper identification and see how far you will get. Need food stamps, Section 8 housing or other social services, and you'll be required to provide identification, proof of residence and evidence of eligibility. Yet when it comes to arguably the most important act an American performs — voting for local, state and federal officeholders — the Democratic leadership in the state House, state Senate and governor's mansion don't want to prevent or detect voter fraud. A rhetorical question is why ?
One argument is that Voter ID is discrimination and racist. Really? Is the federal government discriminating against the poor, unemployed or uninsured when it asks for a photo ID? No. It is simply making sure the person applying isn't abusing the system. Voter ID will aid in assuring that people aren't committing the crime of voter fraud — yes, it is a crime to break election laws, including laws regarding voting by private citizens.
So why did Perdue veto the bill? The reason is pure and simple. The Democratic leadership of North Carolina is struggling to maintain its power, and it needs all the votes it can get to win at the polls on Election Day. That is the only explanation for vetoing this important legislation.
For the record: The Democratic base agrees with Voter ID. According to a Civitas Poll done in January, 73 percent of Democrats supported Voter ID being implemented. (And 86 percent of independents and 96 percent of Republicans support Voter ID.)
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