Recently, voter ID has received renewed attention as President Trump has taken to Twitter and rallies to express his support for election integrity nationwide. Notably, the President tweeted last week that “No debate on Election Security should go forward without first agreeing that Voter ID must play a very strong part in any final agreement”. The debate the President refers to surrounds the Democrats’ attempt to pass provisions of H.R.1, an elections overhaul that circumvents state control of elections, handing power to the federal government. In the words of Senate Leader Mitch McConnell HR 1 is the "Democrat Politician Protection Act." HR 1 would effectively eliminate Voter ID.
Despite opposition from the left, voter ID remains a powerful tool to combat election fraud and inspiring voter confidence. Voter ID laws are in place in 35 states, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Many states that require IDs are instituting programs to provide free or low cost ID cards to those who cannot afford or cannot access sources of identification. While an ID card remains a common tool to participate in civic life, many on the left still find the idea of having proper identification offensive, a sentiment recently echoed by Democratic Presidential Candidate Bernie Sanders. Despite being contrary to logic, Democrats continue to link voter ID to "voter suppression" Possessing a valid form of identification should be seen as the most basic form of participating in the modern economy and being an engaged citizen.
Texas Congressman Dan Crenshaw responded to Sanders on Twitter, stating “The idea that requiring an ID is somehow voter suppression is truly one of the strangest falsehoods ever perpetuated by the Democratic Party. It defies logic for any normal American who uses their ID. Every. Single. Day.” Thank you President Trump and Rep. Crenshaw.