Letter: Voter ID law is not necessary

Requiring a photo ID to vote is unnecessary and is odd to have as a priority as stated by new Iowa Senate Majority leader Bill Dix. Little evidence of impersonation at the ballot box exists. The priorities of our state government should include protecting our rights, not restricting them.

Iowa ranks among the top five in the nation in voter turnout according to Secretary of State Paul Pate, but 72 percent means that over one-fourth of the eligible voters did not vote. Let us work for increased participation, not less.

Other states have enacted voting laws that have been found unconstitutional. In many cases these laws are attempts at suppressing the votes of a certain demographic. It is not a coincidence that many of these same states have voter ID laws.

As expressed so well by Lynda Waddington in the Dec. 17 Gazette, there are other voting issues to address that are actually problems. I would like to see restoration of the vote to ex-felons who have served their time. This should be done in a clear and timely manner and should not need the signature of the governor. Constructive reintegration into our community would benefit all of us.

I also believe that same day registration, unrestricted absentee ballots, satellite voting centers, and early voting should all be maintained. These all contribute to Iowa's high ranking in voter turnout.

Bruce R. Bachmann

Cedar Rapids