Story on ID laws more opinion than fact

An Associated Press article (“Tough ID laws could block thousands of '12 votes,” July 9) did a decent job arguing against requiring photo IDs at the polls. Unfortunately, because it was on the front page and not identified as opinion, readers might think it was a news story that presented an accurate, complete and unbiased picture.

It was not and did not. The writer omitted a good deal of relevant information, including only that which supported critics of the requirement.

One glaring example: The article speculated darkly on the effect the laws might have on voter turnout, specifically in Indiana and Georgia. But it didn't mention postelection research by disinterested parties, including several universities, showing what the effect actually was.

In Indiana, Georgia and other states, turnout increased, rather than decreased, and the increase was greater, rather than smaller, among minorities and the elderly and in areas that voted predominantly for Democrats.

The AP article contained more similarly questionable material, but my concern isn't the quality of the argument. Everybody's entitled to an opinion, and there are valid reasons to be wary of photo ID laws. My concern is that this is the most recent of several wire service stories heavy on opinion and light on fact finding its way onto news pages.

The oldest cliche in journalism says, “if your mother says she loves you, check it out.” I would paraphrase and suggest to readers that even if something comes from the AP, it needs a critical look.

Mike Deupree

Solon