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ID Behind the ID

by Karen Kay Leonard, LWVIN President

On Sept. 17, 2009, the Indiana Court of Appeals ruled Indiana's Voter ID law invalid, yet regulations still will require voters to show a photo ID at the polls on Nov. 3. Indiana's voter ID must be issued by the federal or Indiana government and must display a photo, a name reasonably corresponding to that in the poll book, and an expiration date. Granted, since this is the “off year” for elections, fewer voters than usual will be affected by this requirement, but that is no reason to ignore the hurdles one must pass in order to obtain such a document.

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The photo ID most commonly shown at Indiana polling places is a driver's license, and the changes in requirements to get a driver's license beginning in 2010 are bound to take some citizens by surprise.

"On January 1, 2010, the BMV will introduce new security measures to protect valuable credentials such as driver's licenses and identification cards. First, the BMV will begin issuing SecureID driver’s licenses or identification cards to those who provide proper documentation of their identity, legal status, Social Security number and Indiana address. Also, all permanent credentials will be mailed from a secure, government-run location.” (http://www.in.gov/bmv/) Persons applying for their first Indiana driver's license, permit, or ID card will need to provide all four proofs. Those renewing a currently valid Indiana driver's license, and who do not want the SecureID, will need only their old license and the proof of Social Security number.

The attraction of the SecureID, of course, is that the granting procedure tries to defeat identify theft. Also, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles notes that, at some future time, the federal government plans to require such an ID for boarding airplanes or entering federal facilities. Two difficulties with the SecureID requirements are costs and time lag. Obtaining the SecureID requires more money and time than previously were needed to obtain a license, permit or ID card, and one cannot take home the item the same day one applies. The process of checking the evidentiary materials and mailing the final card is expected to take about 10 days. (Temporary cards, valid at the polls, are to be issued for use on Election Day.)

Before going to the BMV, a person applying in 2010 for her first Indiana driver's license ($21; generally valid for 6 years) should be prepared to spend the time and money to gather:

• Primary identification – usually a birth certificate ($15 to $40, 3 weeks) or U.S. passport (approximately $75; 4-6 weeks; higher fees to speed the process)
• Proof of lawful status (if not born in the USA) – A foreign passport (previously obtained) and an I-94 Arrival/Departure form (about $100to download; does not include legal fees)
• Proof of Social Security number or ineligibility for same – commonly a Social Security card or a W-2 form; 4-6 weeks (free but with requirements).
• To get a replacement card, you will need to:
• Complete an Application For A Social Security Card (Form SS-5);
• Present a recently issued document to show your identity;
• Show evidence of your U.S. citizenship if you were born outside the United States and did not show proof of citizenship when you got your card; and
• Show evidence of your current lawful noncitizen status if you are not a U.S. Citizen.” (http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10002.html#cost)
• Proof of Indiana residence – typically a bill or bank statement sent to one's correct address within the past 60 days, a recent pay stub displaying one's address, a current voter registration card, or a Medicare or Medicaid card (free; 60-day limit on billing postal dates)

"Why all the fuss about voter ID?!” insist some middle-class citizens. “Most people use an ID frequently.”

True, but for the numerous people who lack personal transportation or easy access to the evidentiary documents, who have insufficient income to purchase official copies or lack the ability to order them, the hurdles appear high and daunting. To insure universal suffrage, the state should appoint an ombudsman or create an alternative photo ID path to assist those in need.

Lack of a photo ID for the polls should not prevent a single Hoosier from voting.