Recently I ordered an item online from one of the big box stores and was notified when the item arrived, I would have to show identification before I would be allowed to pick it up. Seems like there are numerous instances where presenting identification is required for every-day transactions; cashing a check, buying alcohol, cigarettes, driving a car, obtaining a new Social Security card, SNAP benefits, obtaining a passport and the list goes on. The newest transaction to require showing legitimate identification is for those who intend on getting a Covid vaccination. Seems reasonable.

 Voting has been described as a “fundamental right of citizenship equal to our First Amendment freedoms in its importance for sustaining representative democracy”. Something that important would seem to require controls that prevent legitimate ballots from being negated by improper or illegal ballots. Toward that end many states require the prospective voter to show identification. In fact, there are 34 states that require I.D. be presented  before being able to vote.

Why isn’t New York State one of those 34 states?