Letter - This amendment could deny most fundamental American liberty

To the editor:

Voter fraud has not been a problem in Minnesota, but the voter ID amendment would make voting a problem for many people.

The September 17 issue of Time magazine lists three states where the tougher voter-identification laws have recently “faced a strong rebuttal in federal courts.” These states are Texas, Ohio and Florida.

Also, in the September 3 Bloomberg Businessweek is this quote: “Studies have found scant evidence of fraud … requiring photo identification will disenfranchise large numbers of poor, elderly and minority voters.”

Will there be absentee ballots? Absentee ballots are often used by people who have difficulty getting to the polls because of physical disabilities and in other situations such as soldiers and college students.

The following quote is from the American Association of Retired People (AARP): “This amendment could deny seniors and veterans who’ve given a lifetime of hard work and service to our country the most fundamental American liberty – their constitutional right to vote.”

In our democracy, all people need to be encouraged to vote, not discouraged. Please vote “No” on the voter ID amendment.

Marlys Jensen

Kensington, MN

(A paid political letter)

Tags: opinion, letters