Voter curbs in U.S. appalling

Elections are educational. They are when voters (and others) are especially tuned in to what is happening in our democracy.

Watching the American election campaign unfold, I am appalled to hear of a law in some states that could actually cause many, perhaps even millions, to lose their right to vote.

This law requires each voter to show valid voter identification to be able to cast their ballot. The written ID requirement may cause voters who do not know about the complicated rules and do not have valid ID or are unable to get it, to actually lose their vote.

Democrats contend it is designed to suppress the votes of minorities, the poor, the young and others more likely to vote for Barack Obama. The Brennan Center for Justice, a non-partisan group at the New York University School of Law, says five million Americans could be affected by the new restrictions that have been adopted or are under consideration in more than 30 states this year.

In Canada, voters must prove their identity and their address, but they have three options: photo ID (driver’s licence or health card); two pieces of authorized ID (bank card, student ID, utility bill, etc.); or take an oath and have a qualified elector vouch for them.

Having worked with Elections Canada for many years, I know that one of its main purposes is to make voting as easy and as accessible as possible. We take great pains and spend millions of dollars to ensure this.

I am appalled that some people in an established democratic country like the U.S. are actually looking for ways to disenfranchise their fellow Americans.

G. A. Teske, Sherwood Park