The left, most Democrats, liberals, and people who call themselves “participatory democrats” yelp at the idea that people should be asked for a photo ID at a voting precinct. But in other areas of our lives presenting a photo ID is considered necessary and appropriate.
Just for example, on the Durham County Social Services Web site it has this to say about qualifying for food stamps (emphasis added):
Food Stamp applications are taken in person at 300 N. Duke St. between 8:15 am and 5:30 pm Monday through Friday except for county holidays. When you come to apply for food stamps, please bring the following items with you: picture ID, social security cards for each household member, copies of rent and utility bills, proof of income including wages and child support, and names and phone numbers of contacts to verify this information.
In Durham, you don’t have to show a photo ID to register to vote or to actually vote. If you don’t have a driver’s license when registering you can just give the last four digits of your Social Security number, but we all know how reliable SS numbers are these days.
Question: Why is it acceptable to be required to identify oneself with certainty to prove one’s qualifications for welfare benefits, but not to prove one’s qualifications to choose our country’s leaders?
