Opinion: Amendment 6 is a solution in search of a problem

Last edited 2:25 p.m., Nov. 2, 2016

Let’s talk about the real voting problem in Missouri. And it’s not voter impersonation fraud.

In April, the Greene County Clerk’s office reported about 10 percent of eligible voters showed up to elect school board members, city council members and mayors, and to determine important bond issues and tax measures. Only 18,968 Greene County voters cast ballots.

In our last presidential election in November 2012, about two-thirds of registered Greene County voters turned out, a dismal number mirrored in counties across Missouri.

Constitutional Amendment 6, which would require a photo ID for all voters, has been touted as a solution to voter fraud. In fact, courts agree and research shows that across the United States agree voter fraud is extremely rare and voter impersonation fraud is almost nonexistent. Amendment 6 supporters are pushing it as necessary to keep elections fair.

Amendment 6 is a solution in search of a problem.

We must find ways to encourage citizens to vote, not erect obstacles to keep them away. Voting is a right, not a privilege like driving a car or opening a bank account. It’s the cornerstone of our democracy and the voting booth is the one place we are all equal. That’s why the League of Women Voters has devoted almost 100 years to protecting the integrity of elections.

Concerned citizens who worry about Missouri’s budget should consider the cost of implementing voter photo ID. It’s estimated in the first three years alone, taxpayers will pay more than $16 million for a new state bureaucracy to monitor the new identification system; this at a time when the General Assembly consistently shortchanges our public school funding.

Obtaining a photo ID seems simple enough. But to many, it would be difficult indeed. Think about the neighbor who was divorced in another state, changed her name and now must locate those forms in order to vote. Or the college senior who can no longer use his student ID. There are those Missourians who lost important papers in floods or tornados. What about a fragile older person who has voted throughout her lifetime but now must figure out a way to acquire an ID with a photo.

Photo ID supporters say, “If they want to vote, they need to figure out a way.” The League of Women Voters asks, “Why?” The right to vote is already enshrined in our Missouri Constitution. Voters already must provide identification that shows they are who they say they are.

Voter impersonation fraud is rare. So why make voting more difficult?

When voters become frustrated or believe voting is too difficult, they are less likely to vote. Attempts to complicate the voting process will reduce voter participation, civic engagement and trust in government, all of which weaken our democracy.

Voting is our democracy’s most fundamental expression of citizenship. As a matter of public policy, let’s protect this right. Vote no on Constitutional Amendment 6 on Nov. 8.

Ann Elwell is past president of the League of Women Voters of Southwest Missouri. Co-presidents Leslie Carrier and Kelly Wood contributed.