Letter: Don't limit Minnesota citizens' right to vote

To the Editor:

The proposed voter ID constitutional amendment on this November’s ballot should, for the sake of our democracy, be thoroughly and decisively defeated.

Our founders guaranteed the right to vote in our United States Constitution. This amendment will destroy that opportunity for hundreds of Minnesotans.

Some years back the Department of Natural Resources went to automatic issuance of hunting and fishing licenses. By simply swiping your driver’s license through a card reader, a fishing/hunting license was printed.

Within hours my phone was ringing off the hook. Several constituents, who no longer drove, could not get their fishing license. It took one couple two weeks before the situation was rectified.

That is exactly what will happen with voter ID and folks like the couple from Kellogg, Minn., will be denied their Constitutional right to vote.

Also, this ballot question is horribly crafted and will result in confusion, numerous legal challenges and more laws to clarify its existence. It will also cost tens of millions of dollars to implement and maintain.

The Republican Legislature appropriated nothing but bread crumbs for its cost. The result will be higher property taxes or fewer services, like snowplowing.

Either way, this is totally and completely unacceptable.

Besides, this amendment does absolutely nothing to prohibit felons from voting. Felons are the only group of people that could be identified as casting votes that should not be counted.

I also question the reasoning behind the Legislature abdicating their elected duty of representing us. Sticking every issue that they fail to negotiate a reasonable outcome with the governor on the ballot is just like how California runs their state. Last time I checked they are tens of billions of dollars in debt.

Let’s review:

1) Republicans want to limit your right to vote.

2) It will cost tens of millions of dollars that we cannot afford.

3) It will solve a problem that only exists in the minds of those watching the “black helicopters” circle the Capitol and lastly.

4) We don’t need California-style government in Minnesota.

Steve Murphy

St. Paul

Steve Murphy is former state senator and formerly of Red Wing.

Tags: opinion, letters