Conservative Common Man

The Supreme Court has rendered a 6-3 decision upholding Indiana’s voter ID law. Naturally a victory for common sense and reasonable measures to limit voter fraud draws the ire from a certain group of people. This group, it would appear, depends on voter fraud to some degree to win elections. There is a name usually reserved for this group, a name that no longer represents its noble roots. This group is called “Democrats.”

Blue Collar Muse has a post titled, “Dems fume as voter fraud issue settled by SCOTUS.” Blue makes a typically insightful point in his last paragraph:

Given the history of voter fraud in this country, from Boss Tweed a century and a half ago to Kennedy and Nixon in 1960 to Chicago’s infamous motto, “Vote early, vote often!”, voter fraud is generally a charge leveled at Democrats. That they fought so hard in Indiana and elsewhere around the country to keep simple, inexpensive, common sense requirements from being enacted that will combat fraud should it be attempted won’t go far to change that perception in the minds of many.

I hadn’t gotten around to leaving a comment on Blue’s post when I saw great news in my e-mail from The Illinois Republican Party. This e-mail announcement reminded me that conservatism and values still can be found in the Republican Party that I have been disheartened by in recent months.

My state representative, David Reis, has introduced HB 4403 which would require Illinois voters to show a government-issued photo ID at the polls. From the press release:

“This legislation is long overdue and will restore confidence in the voting procedure itself,” Reis said. “It will help ensure that the person showing up at the polls is really the person who they claim to be.”

Democrats will offer typical arguments such as this gem:

But the Republican-backed concept might not sit well with the Democrat-controlled Illinois House and Senate. State Rep. David Miller, D-Lynwood, said many Democrats agree that requiring an ID to vote could squeeze out some voters.

“Unfortunately, a lot of lower-income people don’t have your traditional ID,” he said.

Rep. Reis and HB4403 are prepared for Rep. Miller’s (invalid) concern:

The measure will also authorize the election authority to provide a Government ID card free of charge to those who cannot afford to purchase a card. In addition, the bill will allow for provisional voting if a person does not have an acceptable form of ID on the day of the election.

“Our legislation ensures that in the event someone cannot afford a state issued ID, one will be provided at no cost to the individual,” said Reis. “Regardless of your financial status, you have the inalienable right to vote and this bill safeguards that right.”

I met Penny Pullen, Illinois State Eagle Forum leader, at an Illinois Republican Leadership Training Retreat and she told me that we had a very good state representative in my district. She said David Reis was not afraid to introduce legislation and do the right thing. This voter ID bill reinforces Mrs. Pullen’s assessment of Rep. Reis and I hope the residents of his district appreciate the representation that we are getting at our capitol.

The unfortunate influence of Chicago’ political machine will probably make the passage of this important legislation an uphill battle so I would urge all Illinois residents to contact your representatives and ask them to support HB 4403! Imagine an election in which people only vote once and is restricted to citizens and living persons.

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