Legislative Summary - HB244 -
Some kinds of voter fraud are better than others ...
One of the most debated bills this Session was the so called
Voter ID bill, HB244. While it is the size of a small novel it does
contain some controversial provisions. The most controversial was a
more restrictive requirement for identification to vote, under the
guise of eliminating voter fraud, but then it turns around and
increases the potential of fraud on absentee ballots. But then - for
first time voters who registered by mail can vote by showing a
different list of acceptable identification??? Apparently the
concept is that what ever Party is in power has a preference for
which kind of voter fraud will be increased ...
But we do like the provision to require a majority to win
elections as opposed to just 45%.
Here is the bill info:
| HC:
GAff |
SC:
SLGO |
03/31/05 - Senate Conference Committee Report Adopted |
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More detailed comments follow:
The most controversial feature of this bill is the so-called
Voter ID requirement. The number of acceptable forms of are greatly
reduced by this bill"
We believe that proper identification is an excellent step toward
eliminating voter fraud. But we find two problems with the changes
made in this bill. However we do notice a touch of Big Brother
mentality. The basic new requirement is that a "picture ID" has to
be produced. Employer "picture ID" was eliminated UNLESS the
employer happens to be a portion of the government.
What is this about? Are we supposed to believe that no government
agency ever bends the rules a bit???? To place government employers
on a pedestal and assert that they are superior in any way to a
private employer is headed the wrong way. Our Founding Fathers will
be rolling over in their graves on this mentality.
Either all employer "picture ID's" should be accepted OR all
employer "picture ID's" should be eliminated.
However if the citizen registers by mail, then when they show
up to vote they can supply one of the acceptable "picture ID's or:
a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check,
paycheck, or other government document that shows the name and
address of such elector.
This is nuts! It is harder to
register to vote in person than by mail?
On the other hand, this bill goes the other direction on absentee
ballots. While it is hard to follow the lengthy wording it appears
that some provisions will only increase the probability of fraud on
absentee ballots"
Absentee ballots can now be requested up to 180 days in
advance without stating any reason and whether or not the citizen is
registered to vote or not. Remember that absentee ballots were
created to allow people who could not physically make it to the
polls a way to exercise their vote.
Now if the citizen requesting an absentee ballot is not
registered they are sent a registration form. But get this, the
forms of identification accepted includes the "picture ID" required
to register or vote in person:
or a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government
check, paycheck, or other government document that shows the name
and address of such elector
The very same forms of identification that will be denied if
presented in person.
This is not right! The same forms
of acceptable identification should be required of ALL citizens.
Allowing organizations, parties and candidates to distribute
absentee ballot requests.
Prior to his becoming law (if the Governor does not veto it)
absentee requests could not be mailed along with party or candidate
promotions. This bill eliminates that restriction in Section 50:
No application for an official absentee ballot that is physically
attached to a publication that advocates for or against a particular
candidate, issue, political party, or political body shall be
distributed by any person, entity, or organization.
So look for massive partisan mailings of absentee requests in
the future. We are opposed to this as absentee ballots are another
source of voter fraud and this bill will only increase the number of
absentee ballots and thus the number of fraudulent votes cast.
Requires a majority rather than 45% to be declared a winner.
This is a very positive change as it requires a majority to
have voted for the winner. With the previous 45% percent winners, it
was possible that a majority of voters actually voted for other
candidates.
Overall we consider the bill be confusing, inconsistent and
obviously just another example of partisan fighting between the
Republicans and Democrats. The theatrics of the Black Caucus and the
use of new Republican position of power for perceived partisan
advantage demonstrate one reason why many Georgians do not bother to
vote.
The concern and real issue that should
be the driving force in bills of this nature should be how to
encourage Georgia citizens to become more involved in fair and
unbiased elections. In most elections a majority of Georgians who
are eligible to register and vote fail to do so.
The bill as amended is
below:
 New feature
for Georgia Registered Voters - We are participating in trial of a
new eLobby feature that will provide information for the elected
officials in your district only. An excellent way to keep track of
your State Representative, Senator and Congressman and let them know
what you want them to do. Click here for more
information.
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