Black Lawmakers Vow to Repeal Ga. Voter Law
---------------------------------------------ATLANTA (AP) - At the end of a losing battle during the past legislative session, Georgia state Rep. Alisha Thomas Morgan burst into the civil rights anthem ``Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around'' to protest the passage of a law requiring voters to show a photo ID at the polls.
In the next session starting Jan. 9, the 27-year-old black Democrat says she will not be moved in her fight to get the law repealed.
``It's whatever it takes,'' Morgan said. ``I'm putting on the armor. Nothing they can do will fix the bill. It's a bad law and it needs to be repealed. We're not going backwards.''
Thomas and other black lawmakers know they are in for a battle as Republicans stand determined to defend the law, which requires voters who do not have a driver's license to buy a state-issued ID card for as much as $35 - a fee critics say hurts the poor, the elderly and minorities.
The law eliminates the use of some other forms of identification to vote, including Social Security cards, birth certificates and utility bills. Supporters, including Republican Gov. Sonny Perdue, argued that the measure would help prevent fraud.
Ok, I think we all agree our voting system is in need of an overhaul, but I seriously do not agree with this answer. As it stands in most states you just show up, state your name and address, and vote. That simple.
So I get the idea. Nobody wants someone to go to ten polling stations across town under different names and addresses casting ten votes. Possible? Sure.
This specific law however, to me, sounds like more republican fixing. Thats my opinion based on stories from past elections.
If we are going to bury this supposed “fraud” issue, then we need to federalize the voting system. Everyone who registers gets a card, shows up to vote, states name and address, and turns in the card. Done.