Politics

Did Harris only win states with no voter ID?

ByARO

Nov 11, 2024
No Voter ID?

In the recent U.S. election, Vice President Kamala Harris secured victories in 19 states, showcasing a fascinating pattern in terms of voter ID laws. Here’s an exploration of how these wins align with the states’ approaches to voter identification, focusing on the more liberal voter ID policies:

States with No Voter ID Requirement:

  1. California – Known for its progressive voting laws, California does not require any form of ID to vote. The state’s emphasis is on voter accessibility, allowing individuals to vote solely with a signature verification, which aligns with its liberal political stance.
  2. Oregon – Oregon has been a pioneer in vote-by-mail systems, and as such, does not require voter ID at the polls since voting is primarily done through the mail. The system relies on the accuracy of mail-in voter registration and signature verification.
  3. New Mexico – This state also does not require photo ID for voting. Instead, voters sign an affidavit asserting their eligibility, which simplifies the voting process, potentially increasing voter turnout among demographics less likely to possess standard forms of ID.
  4. Minnesota – Minnesota’s approach allows voting without ID by having voters sign a polling place roster or a voter’s receipt, which is then cross-checked with registration records. This method reduces barriers to voting, reflecting a liberal stance on voter ID.
  5. Illinois – Here, voters can vote without ID by signing a statement affirming their identity. This state’s policy reflects a broader trust in voter honesty and aims to reduce barriers to electoral participation.
  6. Maine – Maine does not require photo ID but allows voters to cast ballots by signing an affidavit, similar to other states with liberal voter ID laws. This practice encourages voting without imposing stringent ID requirements.
  7. Vermont – Similar to Maine, Vermont voters sign an affidavit if they do not have the required ID. This state’s laws have historically leaned towards making voting as accessible as possible.
  8. Massachusetts – Massachusetts also follows the affidavit system for those without photo ID, focusing on voter inclusion rather than strict identification checks.
  9. New York – While New York does accept various forms of ID, it also allows voting with just a signature on a poll book for those without ID, illustrating a less restrictive approach.
  10. New Jersey – No strict ID requirement; voters can vote by signing an affidavit if they do not have an acceptable form of ID, promoting easier access to voting.
  11. Hawaii – Voting here does not necessitate photo ID, with alternative methods like signature verification in place, which supports a more inclusive voting environment.
  12. Maryland – Maryland requires no photo ID for voting, focusing instead on other forms of identity verification like signatures.

States with Non-Photo ID Requirements:

  • Colorado – Voters here can use non-photo ID, like utility bills or bank statements, showing a preference for voter ease over stringent ID requirements.
  • Washington – Similar to Oregon, Washington’s vote-by-mail system means ID requirements are less about showing photo ID and more about ensuring the signature matches records.
  • Delaware – Allows non-photo ID for voting, which could include documents like utility bills or voter registration cards.
  • Connecticut – Voters can present a non-photo ID or sign an affidavit if they lack photo ID, reflecting a balanced approach to voter ID laws.
  • Virginia – While it has moved towards requiring ID, Virginia still accepts non-photo IDs, indicating a moderate stance on voter ID requirements.

The pattern where Kamala Harris won in these states can be partially attributed to these liberal voter ID policies. Such policies are often associated with higher voter turnout, especially among groups who might face challenges in obtaining photo ID, like young people, the elderly, and minority populations. These states’ laws reflect a broader political philosophy that prioritizes voter accessibility, potentially influencing electoral outcomes by mobilizing demographics that typically support Democratic candidates.

However, it’s worth noting that this correlation does not imply causation. Other factors like campaign strategies, demographic trends, and historical voting patterns significantly influence election results. Yet, the alignment of Harris’s wins with states having liberal voter ID laws does highlight ongoing discussions about voter access, election integrity, and the balance between security and inclusivity in the American electoral system.

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By ARO

American Review Organization is a blog that fields general comments, sentiment, and news throughout the country. The site uses polls to determine what people think about specific topics or events they may have witnessed. The site also uses comedy as an outlet for opinions not covered by data collection methods such as surveys. ARO provides insight into current issues through humor instead of relying solely on statistics, so it's both informative yet engaging.