Last primary election a few months ago, I attempted to use my Federal issued Transportation Workers Identification Card (TWIC) for purposes of voting ID. I was denied my right to vote using said (TWIC) ID. This TWIC card ID and my security clearances with work that I have done for the government, has allowed me clearance to go places I can’t talk about.
Had I not carried and presented my driver’s license to the primary voting site as well, I would not gave been able to vote, even though I am eligible to do so.
According to the recently passed voter ID law here in Texas (and in other Republican controlled states) my TWIC card would not qualify as legal ID for voting.
There is now an injunction against enforcement of the new law.
Why does this matter?
Today, I voted in the primary runoff election and again attempted to use my Fed TWIC ID. I was allowed to use THIS time, because of the injunctive relief.
However, given the moves and motivations of folks like Karl Rove, Dick Armey, the Koch Bros and their "moneyed" supporters in attempts to swing elections at all costs, my rights were violated at my primary election by the current Texas law that has been put on hold pending court decision.
All of this Voter ID nonsense is put forth in the name of preventing voter fraud (of which there were only 300 or so cases in the last presidential election where 131M plus participated).
The real story is Americans are now faced with onerous and unreasonable requirements (and costs) in securing photo ID’s to be able to vote.
Think about it….. Karl Rove said there may be as many as 9 million votes in the balance here- certainly enough to make an election go one way or another.
And if the Republicans have it their way, this will become law nationwide, not curing a problem that doesn’t exist, but disenfranchising 9M people’s right to vote.
Is it wrong for a WWII vet to use his VA ID to vote? A college student as well? I think not, nor should I be denied for use of my TWIC ID.
-Rhj
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