Politics & Government

Voter ID Fraud: Political Folly Or Real Problem?

When local voters go to the polls in Riverside County this fall, they will not be required to show ID unless their poll book entries are marked "ID Required."

During , some in the audience told the contenders they were worried about how voter ID fraud might affect election outcome.

There were allegations that groups like the now defunct Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) could derail Republican wins. The panel of all GOP candidates were generally sympathetic and expressed some similar concern.

The race for the 67th State Assembly District has now come down to two candidates, Melissa Melendez and Phil Paule, and neither is making voter ID fraud an issue on their respective campaign websites.

Find out what's happening in Lake Elsinore-Wildomarwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Some Republican candidates on the national campaign trail, however, contend that new state laws cropping up requiring voters to show a picture ID before casting ballots will curb fraud, while some Democrats contend the laws are simply political tools designed to suppress Democratic turnout, particularly in poor and minority communities.

When local voters go to the polls in Riverside County this fall, they will not be required to show ID unless their poll book entries are marked “ID Required.” In these cases, a photo ID such as a driver’s license is acceptable, but so is a non-photo ID, like a bank statement or current utility bill.

Find out what's happening in Lake Elsinore-Wildomarwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Moreover, more and more Americans are choosing to vote absentee, where no ID is required.

What are your thoughts on voter ID fraud? Is it a serious issue? Should photo ID be required of all voters who cast ballots, and should the absentee ballot system be reserved for only those who truly need it, such as military personnel serving overseas? Weigh in with your comments below.


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