Although the Justice Department has denied preclearance to restrictive voter ID laws in two states this year because they disproportionately deny voting rights to minorities, proponents of these disenfranchising laws continue to argue that everyone needs a picture ID to get by in modern society.
As Project Vote’s Legislative Director, I would never suggest that voters intentionally leave ID at home on Election Day. However, I recently discovered that it’s actually easier to board a plane than it is to vote in some states.
Last Thursday, I headed to National Airport for a flight to Boston, driving directly from a doctor’s appointment. You know how doctors’ offices these days often ask for your picture ID along with your health insurance card? I obediently surrendered mine. Unfortunately, the documents were not returned. I got to the security line at the airport, opened my wallet, and immediately realized the error. But, I was told, they have a procedure for that. (Apparently, it happens enough that they have a procedure.)
When I got to the front of the line, I explained the problem and they asked me what other cards I have. A Costco card? No. (Who knew that Costco was more useful than American Express?) My voter’s card? No. (Ironic that more and more, a voter’s card isn’t even sufficient as an ID for voting!) “What’s the problem?“ I asked. “I thought there was a procedure.” “There is,” replied the agent, “but I’m trying to find a way for you to avoid it.” With a Costco card. Since I didn’t have what they wanted, I had to go through extra security—the aforementioned procedure–that mostly involved their “wanding” all of the zippers on my carry-on bag.
Now, I’m not recommending that people leave their photo IDs at home when they go to the airport. This did take a little extra time, and the cumulative effect would be a lot of extra time if many people did it. But it is possible to board a plane without a photo ID, so don’t let the politicians tell you otherwise. By the way, it’s possible to check into a hotel too.