Feds don’t need voting data
To the Editor:
I am writing about the Save America Act. I have seen conflicting information about this legislation, which is now awaiting Senate approval after passing the House. The more I attempt to research the proposed changes to voting eligibility, the more confused I become.
I moved to Highlands in 2019, applied for my N.C. driver’s license, and discovered that I needed a Real ID.
As my given name did not match my current name, I needed to present my marriage license documenting my name change, my divorce decree and second marriage license, all documents that I had in my possession. Unfortunately, my first marriage license did not meet the necessary criteria, and I needed to return once I had acquired the proper documentation.
I was married originally in New Jersey and with investigation, I was able to find the department that could issue the original license, for a fee, and a waiting period of six weeks. Due to COVID, the driver’s license bureau was not open at that time. Several months later, and another trip to Franklin, I obtained a Real ID/driver’s license. Should this bill become law I have learned that my Real ID, which presently confirms my identity, would no longer serve as valid identification at polling places.
I do not have an up-to-date passport. Family health issues make travelling out of the country ill-advised; renewing my passport seems unnecessary. I have just learned that possessing a valid passport serves as proof of my legitimacy. Another wade through bureaucracy, another fee and another wait will solve my problem. Is the government going to pay the fee, and if not, wouldn’t the fee be the equivalent of a poll tax?
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My husband, who has not changed his name through marriage, can present his validated birth certificate and vote without question. Aren’t these requirements discriminatory against women? And the elderly, minorities or the disabled who may not have a valid birth certificate, passport, or the skills to acquire one? Is the government going to aid in the research and fees necessary to obtain said documents?
I have consistently met all necessary requirements for school, employment, military service, licenses, real estate purchases, birth certificates and other government obligations. This proposed intrusion into my life seems unnecessary based on current data regarding illegals voting. It just is not an issue. But the party who wants smaller, less intrusive government seems determined to intrude further into my life through these new requirements. In addition, it is my understanding that the law will require all voter data to become the property of the federal government, another intrusion into my privacy. With our current administration attacking Democratic cities, governors, and detractors, as a Democrat I am deeply concerned about this growing autocracy having my voting record.
I am not sure my information is correct. I have called Senators Tillis and Budd and have been unable to get answers to my questions. I hope, as the editor of this paper, you can publish clear, current information regarding this pending bill. Perhaps our senators will respond to your questions.
Margare Pickett
Highlands
