Biden DOJ opposes Voter ID and election security laws
Attorney General Merrick Garland Vows to Fight Burdensome Election Security Laws
Attorney General Merrick Garland made a passionate declaration on Sunday, promising to combat election security laws that he deems “burdensome” and “unnecessary.” Speaking at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Selma, Alabama to commemorate Bloody Sunday, Garland drew parallels between voter identification laws and Jim Crow laws, a comparison previously made by President Joe Biden.
“Progress in protecting the right to vote — especially for black Americans — has never been steady. Indeed throughout our country’s history … the right to vote in America has been under attack,” Garland said.
“And that is why the Justice Department is fighting back,” he continued. “That is why we are challenging efforts by states and jurisdictions to implement discriminatory, burdensome, and unnecessary restrictions on access to the ballot, including those related to mail-in voting, the use of drop boxes, and voter ID requirements.”
Recent Studies Show Strong Support for Voter ID Laws
A recent Pew Research study found that 81 percent of Americans support the requirement of a “government-issued photo identification” to vote. Similarly, a Gallup poll from October 2022 revealed that 79 percent of Americans support the need for voters to prove their identity before casting a ballot. Currently, 36 states have some form of voter ID laws in place.
Alabama’s Voter ID Laws and Provisions
In Alabama, voters have various options for presenting identification, including a driver’s license, Alabama photo voter ID, non-driver ID, state ID, federal ID, passport, student ID, or military ID. Those without a valid form of ID can obtain a free Alabama photo voter ID from the Secretary of State’s office or the local county board of registrars’ offices. Provisional ballots are also available for voters without a photo ID, and proof of identity must be provided by 5:00 p.m. on the Friday following the election.
The Biden DOJ’s History of Targeting Election Integrity Laws
Garland’s remarks align with the Biden administration’s previous stance on voter integrity laws. President Biden has previously criticized Republican voter ID laws, likening them to “Jim Crow” laws and claiming they are an attempt to suppress the right to vote. Despite the fact that election integrity is not equivalent to the Civil War, the administration has shown support for changes proposed by congressional Democrats to make elections less secure.
One such proposal is the “Freedom to Vote Act,” which aims to federalize elections by implementing automatic voter registration, early voting, same-day registration, and a nationwide ban on voter ID laws. Additionally, the Biden administration has utilized federal agencies and the courts to exert control over elections.
For example, Biden signed Executive Order 14019, mandating federal departments to use taxpayer funds to increase voter registration. This move has faced legal challenges, with Pennsylvania legislators suing the administration for violating state law. The Biden Department of Justice has also filed lawsuits against states like Arizona over their voter registration requirements.
What are the concerns raised by critics of voter ID laws, particularly in relation to minority communities?
States have voter ID laws in place, which require voters to show some form of identification before being able to vote.
Proponents argue that voter ID laws are necessary to prevent voter fraud and ensure the integrity of elections. They believe that requiring voters to prove their identity helps to prevent individuals from voting multiple times or impersonating someone else. They also argue that voter ID laws are not discriminatory, as they apply to all voters regardless of their race or ethnicity.
But critics, like Attorney General Merrick Garland, argue that these laws disproportionately affect minority communities and create barriers to voting. They argue that requiring a government-issued photo ID can be burdensome for those who may not have easy access to the necessary documents, such as low-income individuals and elderly citizens. They also argue that voter ID laws are unnecessary, as voter fraud is extremely rare and there is little evidence to suggest that these laws would significantly reduce it.
Garland’s speech in Selma, Alabama, holds particular significance as the city was a battleground for the civil rights movement in the 1960s. The march from Selma to Montgomery, led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., played a crucial role in the fight for voting rights for Black Americans. Garland’s comparison of voter ID laws to Jim Crow laws is a powerful statement that highlights the ongoing struggle for equal voting rights.
The Department of Justice, under Garland’s leadership, has already taken legal action against several states that have implemented new voting laws. The department has filed lawsuits in Georgia and Texas, arguing that these laws disproportionately impact minority voters and violate the Voting Rights Act. These legal battles will likely shape the future of election security laws in the United States.
As the debate over voter ID laws continues, it is important to consider the perspectives of both supporters and opponents. While protecting the integrity of elections is crucial, it is equally important to ensure that all citizens have equal and fair access to the ballot. Striking the right balance between election security and voter access will be a challenge, but it is one that must be tackled in order to uphold the principles of democracy.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
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