One bill I probably should have pointed to in this morning’s newsletter is HB4675. The measure would make photo IDs mandatory to vote in all public office elections. The House Judiciary Committee has it on its agenda for its meeting that begins shortly, at 1pm. You can watch the meeting here. Hat tip to a 60 Days reader for bringing it to my attention. Got a bill you think we should be keeping tabs on? Let us know about it.
I agree with Shawn. This is really bad. The people least likely to be able to get a photo ID (for instance, the people who live up the hill from me (read: 14 miles from 'town') and have no car) are precisely the people who need to vote the most (these people have to rely on medicaid, as they are both disabled, for instance). And this is anti-'originalism' at its finest. Let's not forget that the founders didn't require a photo ID to vote, eh?
The Judiciary Committee apparently took that bill off the agenda during their meeting today. But did advance others -- https://westvirginiawatch.com/2024/01/17/house-judiciary-advances-mugshot-prohibition-bill/
I agree with Shawn. This is really bad. The people least likely to be able to get a photo ID (for instance, the people who live up the hill from me (read: 14 miles from 'town') and have no car) are precisely the people who need to vote the most (these people have to rely on medicaid, as they are both disabled, for instance). And this is anti-'originalism' at its finest. Let's not forget that the founders didn't require a photo ID to vote, eh?
This is always an anti-voting measure, so it makes sense the WV Legislature is pushing it.