L L wrote:
Let's back up to what it takes to vote.
You don't show up, give a name and cast a vote.
You have to get on the voter roll. You have to register to vote. In advance.
Only US citizens can register to vote.
Each state has their own process to register voters.
Going through the DMV is usually the most common way. Getting a driver's license is typical but they have other ways to register.
You have a social security number, utility bills, whatever.
Once you register, you can stay on the roll with regular voting.
These ID laws aren't for registering, they are for voting day.
So to take advantage and cast a fake vote, you have to give a name and address of a registered voter who hadn't voted yet.
Onerous to get a state issue ID once every 10 years, but not onerous to produce a " social security number, utility bills, whatever" or going to the DMV.
Also, bolded part is not true in all states. Used to live in a NE state and could just show up at any polling place and vote. Didn't have to be my district. Couldn't vote for local candidates, but could for state/national.