Figuring out all voters on the poll field with photograph ID is a typical sense approach to restore religion within the integrity of our electoral system, in line with each of the main GOP candidates for governor.
The Joint Committee on Election Legal guidelines heard a pair of payments Tuesday by State Sen. Peter Durant and state Rep. Donald Berthiaume, Jr., every of which might set up a voter ID requirement below state legislation.
Asking voters to point out ID is a “reasonable request” mentioned former Baker Administration MBTA chief Brian Shortsleeve in an announcement forward of the listening to.
Shortsleeve famous a change within the legislation wouldn’t even make the Bay State an outlier, however somewhat simply one other one of many about three dozen states which already ask voting age adults to show they’re who they are saying they’re earlier than casting a poll.
“A photo identification is required to fly, buy a cell phone, open a bank account, pick up a prescription and even attend the Massachusetts Democrat State Convention,” Shortsleeve famous.
His Republican main opponent and fellow Baker Administration alumnus, Mike Kennealy, mentioned that he’s additionally “strong supporter” of the state adopting a voter ID legislation, and he added that he suspects a majority of Bay State voters would agree with the necessity.
Very like Shortsleeve, Kennealy famous that the poll field is likely one of the few locations the place Bay State adults don’t want to point out any type of identification earlier than collaborating.
“In today’s world, you need an ID to board a plane, buy certain medications, or even enter many buildings,” he mentioned.
“It stands to reason that voting, the very foundation of our democratic republic, should be held to the same standard,” he added.
In response to Shortsleeve, as a result of “elections have consequences” it’s past vital that the method is accomplished in a reliable method.
“I support Massachusetts joining the growing list of states requiring voter identification at the polls. With the costly surge of migrants into our state, it is especially important that we pass a voter identification law,” he mentioned.
Opponents of voter ID legal guidelines say that U.S. elections are already fairly safe and exhibit little or no proof of fraud. Implementing a voter ID requirement, in line with info supplied by the American Civil Liberties Union, works higher at offering extra hurdles for low-income voters earlier than they get pleasure from their rights than it does at fixing voter fraud.
In response to the Nationwide Convention of State Legislatures, there are 36 states with some type of voter ID legislation.
Gov. Maura Healey’s didn’t present touch upon both piece of laws when requested, however mentioned as a substitute that the governor would “review any legislation that reaches her desk.”
