Despite a group of protesters today asking him to oppose Voter ID legislation, Sen. Bryce Reeves said he is more concerned about protecting the system from voter fraud and he supports the legislation.
Reeves already voted for Senate Bill 1 which eliminates the provision that allows a voter to sign a sworn statement that he or she is the named registered voter instead of having to present identification. Instead, the voter would have to cast a provisional ballot and the protesters said that these types of ballots are less likely to be counted in the process.
"These bills will disproportionately affect some of our most vulnerable citizens: seniors, minorities, young adults and low-income Virginians," said Evan McLaughlin, a member of the Fredericksburg Chapter of Virginia Organizing. Protesters held signs stating, "Voting is a Fundamental Freedom" and "Voting is at the Heart of What it means to be an American."
Three Fredericksburg Police cruisers with officers were parked a block away watching the activity. At one point, a librarian came out and asked the protesters to make sure they were not blocking patrons from entering and exiting the library.
Reeves said in a prepared statement that voting is a fundamental right that must be protected from fraud and abuse.
“SB 1 will strengthen the integrity of the ballot process," he said. "It is unfortunate that partisan organizations like Virginia Organizing, and their Chairperson, Sandra Cook, assert that ensuring the integrity of the ballot box is not a 'real' issue. Their call for me to 'stop wasting time' on this important issue to the voters of my district is disheartening. I will fight for the right of every Virginian to have their voice heard through the ballot box and continuing to work in a bi-partisan manner, as I already have on other issues affecting the people of 17th District.”
Members of the Spotsylvania Republican Committee crashed the protest with one of their own, led by member Steve Thomas, who tweeted earlier this morning for people to join him at the library. One of the committee members talked over McLaughlin as he tried to speak to about 20 people who gathered in a circle around him. The SRC members also held signs stating, "No to Voter Fraud," "We Love Bryce" and "One Voter=One Vote Only."
So who doesn't have one of those? And the people that I know who help the poor are always willing to help get a legal, "valid photo ID!" Of course if the federal governement asks for it, why shouldn't we Virginians help the cause of "valid photo ID!" Debby Girvan offered an excellent solution to consider.
In case you missed it , here it is again - Voter Registration Fraud in Virginia - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wefETlCp644 A non partisan news report! Watch it yet? Debby Girvan has made a great point and it makes one wonder, why not? Let's make it better for every demographic and level for both parties, sounds fair to me. As a first generation American, the son of an immigrant, I certainly understand the challenges that every American overcomes in order to participate in the democratic process of voting in this great Republic. WhenI got the notification from the Secretary of the Commonwealth that the Governor restored my right to vote I was at the Rgistrars office then very next morning with my "valid photo ID" in hand, and grateful to be able to register and vote. (SMILE)
Mike writes: Hey, wait a minute, I just read the signs and counted more people in favor than against! Now how about that? I believe the same was true in Va. 1964 with those that opposed the Civil Rights Act. And in 1860 when Va. voted to join the Confederacy to maintain the practice of treating human beings as chattel. I believe around 70% of Virginians were in favor of invading Iraq. Come to think of it, when it comes to politics, I think one should be proud to be in the minority in Virginia!
I am already on public record as opposing anything that disenfranchises any citizens from voting, you may wish to return to your fond memories and to go back to 1964 or 1860, as for me, I say let's move forward. Watch the VOTER REGISTRATION FRAUD IN VIRGINIA news report and you'll see why the "Valid phot ID" bills make sense. Hey did you see the response to the poll?
Freedom of speech, God bless America!
I can appreciate that "you are opposed to disenfranchizing any citizens from voting." However, look around the country and it is evident that there is a conserted effort by many Republicans in power who do not feel the same. I'm suprised to see that you consider the denying of civil rights to some Americans as "fond memories" “Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” Sir Winston Churchill Sincerely, Rick
Either way on an interesting side note, during the 2010 Ward elections in the City of Fredericksburg the Virginia State Board of Elections records show that just over 1,100 people voted. It certainly doesn't take "tax dollars" to identify them. It's free to bring your "valid photo ID." And there's the beauty, everyone can do it!
Everyone needs an official ID no matter income or age for travel, purchasing alcohol or tobacco, writing a check, etc. They cost only $10 at the DMV. Voter fraud is real (see links below). Who has said they can't afford a $10 ID? Now you write: Voter registration cards are already paid for & mailed with tax dollars - there is no additional fee to get one As long as yhere is no cost or added effort to be able to vote, no problem. Thank you for coming around. The GOP is always declaring "class warfare" whenever anyone points out inequaties. If there is "class warfare", we the middle class are poor warriors and are losing! Sincerely, Rick
"Motor voter" registration is a great initiative that could be modified to assist the poor. Now let us collaborate in our commentray to seek a solution for our poor so that they are not disenfranchised.
As for the idea of a photo ID solving all our problems, the same study indicated that for many of those who possess current, valid government-issued photo ID, the documentation does not reflect their current information. The study shows that ten percent of voting-age citizens who have current photo ID do not have photo ID with both their current address and their current legal name. The rate is higher among younger citizens: as many as 18 percent of citizens aged 18-24; again young adults skew away from the GOP. Our goal should be to make it easier for people to vote: national holiday on election day, same day registration, give people a week to vote, allow for mail-in ballots. Hell I like what Australia does. You actually get fined for NOT voting in a national election. Introduce that bill and I'll help lobby for it. Also, stay away from the class warfare stuff. No one wins when we head down that road.
Let's mentor and help them keep current when they do have one. Think about it, if they move don';t they reigter a change of address with the post office, or with their cable company, why not their "valid phot ID?" Yes, avoid class and by making it fair for all.
"When I was a candidate" I'm assuming GOP? That might explain a lot. I can assure you, The class warfare thing is nothing, if not a GOP talking point along with job creator and lame steam media.
And yes, I am pretty good at it. Thank you
If your going to be a politician, you can't get testie. Unless your name is Newt! My intent was not to upset anyone. I was only offering my opinions, based on the facts as I see them. Would you prefer to talk about something less controversal? Perhaps global warming or abortion would be a lighter topic. I kid! Sincerely, Rick
Maybe you can help me... There are 8 definitions for the word CAN..... Yet for some reason we need the words effect and affect. Who can I blame for that? I'll blame the Democrats, if it'll help our relationship:)
I like it to be "sharpening!" The mind, not the knives...
Apparently there are only about five of us that seem to care about this issue anyway. Let's recap: We're all good on voter ID's as long as there is no charge for the ID. Is that about right?