Voting freedom restricted

To many in the United States, this year’s presidential election could be the most important election in our country’s history. Many feel these elections could lead to dire outcomes for our hard-working families, and for our democracy. No matter which side of that fence looks good, we know freedom is key to what makes the U.S. great.

Last week, the Idaho Voters’ Pamphlet (subtitled “Making Elections Make Sense”) arrived at my home. But my mood soured the minute I read the command “Bring Your ID and VOTE!” I wondered, Is this new? I have never had to show an ID in Idaho elections before.

I flipped to Page 2, where a heading in bold print states “Photo ID is now required to vote in Idaho.” Read the first sentence, though, and it says, “To vote, you must either present a photo ID or sign a Personal Identification Affidavit.” (Where’s the affidavit explained?) After that, the passage finishes with a list of acceptable IDs.

Since when does Idaho behave like Big Brother and make its residents procure IDs to exercise their duty to vote? I don’t know about you all, but this doesn’t feel like freedom.

Leontina Hormel

Moscow, Idaho