Pubdate: Wed, 22 Aug 2012
Source: Tampa Tribune (FL)
Copyright: 2012 The Tribune Co.
Contact: http://www2.tbo.com/static/tools/contact-us/
Website: http://www.tampatrib.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/446
Author: John Chase

COSTS OF ID LAWS

Concerning your Aug. 18 editorial, "Voter ID law stops fraud:"

Yes, in the absolute, the voter ID law will stop fraud. But that 
should not be the issue. The issue should be how much and at what 
cost. Every change in any law or regulation has societal benefits and 
societal costs. The best example is our anti-drug law. Worthwhile 
goals to "stop voter fraud" or "stop drug abuse" are often pretexts 
to hold down a segment of the citizenry thought to engage in such 
activity. Other legislation recently enacted by Florida - and knocked 
down by the federal court - weakens my confidence that the voter ID 
law is not just pretext to hold down citizens who mostly vote Democrat.

John Chase

St. Petersburg
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom