Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

Fix issuance first, then we can talk about making it a requirement. What isn't acceptable is to deny even a single person their right to vote because they couldn't get a valid ID.


>Fix issuance first, then we can talk about making it a requirement. What isn't acceptable is to deny even a single person their right to vote because they couldn't get a valid ID.

Here's a list of things that require government ID right now, off the top of my head:

  * Getting a job
  * Accepting free food from a food drive
  * Getting a bank account or loan
  * Buying alcohol or cigarettes
  * Buying a gun
  * Getting a tattoo
  * Picking up a package
  * Driving a car
  * Buying a plane or train ticket
  * Viewing an apartment or house to lease/buy
  * Forwarding your mail or setting up a PO box
  * Joining a gym
  * Setting up your gas/electricity/cable/internet
  * Getting a phone with service
  * Entering a nightclub
I'm all about giving people their rights, but making ID a requirement needs to be done. If the feds want to push it, then they can insist on criteria for acceptable issuance of ID. But I don't agree with waiting to do this anywhere it is possible to do it sooner. No other country (that I know of) is stupid enough to allow voting without ID. Perhaps the irrationality of this policy is an indictment of our government's dysfunction.




Consider applying for YC's Winter 2026 batch! Applications are open till Nov 10

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: