Rand Paul Diverges From His Party Over Voter ID

By JEREMY W. PETERS, The New York Times, MAY 9, 2014, MEMPHIS — Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky broke Friday with fellow Republicans who have pushed for stricter voting laws as a way to crack down on fraud at the polls, saying that the focus on such measures alienates and insults African-Americans and hurts the party.

“Everybody’s gone completely crazy on this voter ID thing,” Mr. Paul said in an interview. “I think it’s wrong for Republicans to go too crazy on this issue because it’s offending people.” (link)

 

My Comment: I think Rand Paul is trying too hard to find his niche. I do think we should remove the prohibition against convicted felons being allowed to vote. Once you have paid your debt to society, I think your voting rights should be restored. I know that would benefit Democrats more than Republicans since there are more Democrats who are felons than Republicans but it is the right thing to do.  However, I am absolutely in favor or the requirement that you must show an ID in order to vote. I am soon going to be 67 years old and I still have to show an ID to buy beer! I have to show an ID to board a plane or cash a check. We should not back off on requirements that one show an ID to vote.