Sarah Silverman on voter ID laws

[Whiskey]

Originally Posted by Atropellador

I've had to present mine in order to buy alcohol, rent an apartment, test-drive a car, obtain a passport, check out my keys from the concierge, start working at a new job, and numerous other things. I'll not defend voter-ID law or its adverse consequences, but from my perspective, presenting my ID when I vote is just another bureaucratic process. Like I said, I can't imagine going my whole life without a state-issued ID. If I didn't have one, I'd fight like heck to get one.

you do notice that all of those things that you mentioned are not essential to living in this country and should really be put on a lower level than having the right and ability to vote.

I understand that the life that many of us live, it wound be absurd not to do all these things that require government ID. But many people do not do any of these things you mention, live a different life than you and would like their ability to vote not to be taken away from them.

[Atropellador]

Originally Posted by PeppermintPatty

You needed a state-issued ID to work?

You usually need a birth certificate or a passport or a green card to prove you are allowed to work. But I've never needed to prove anything more than that. And there are plenty of ways for people to get by without taking the sort of job that checks eligibility.

Yes, IIRC it's the I-9 form, with which one of several means of identification must be submitted. Birth certificate may be on the list, but it's been easier for me to just pull my ID out of my wallet. I vaguely recall several employers photocopying my ID on the first day of work in this context.

[Incredible Hulctuary]

Originally Posted by Atropellador

I've had to present mine in order to buy alcohol, rent an apartment, test-drive a car, obtain a passport, check out my keys from the concierge, start working at a new job, and numerous other things. I'll not defend voter-ID law or its adverse consequences, but from my perspective, presenting my ID when I vote is just another bureaucratic process. Like I said, I can't imagine going my whole life without a state-issued ID. If I didn't have one, I'd fight like heck to get one.

For the elderly, it's usually not a case of living their whole life without a state ID. Most had a driver's license or state ID when younger, then decided to stop renewing it after they stopped working and driving, or were unable to renew it when states stepped up their documentary requirements. There are many elderly people who have a birth certificate + expired passport + expired license + Social Security card, but now that's not good enough in some states.

[TheGillotine]

Originally Posted by PeppermintPatty

You needed a state-issued ID to work?

You usually need a birth certificate or a passport or a green card to prove you are allowed to work. But I've never needed to prove anything more than that. And there are plenty of ways for people to get by without taking the sort of job that checks eligibility.

I needed a combination Social Security card and gov't-issued photo ID card to get my current job.

[Whiskey]

Originally Posted by PeppermintPatty

There's actually been a lot of documented voter fraud, but it isn't the sort of fraud that ID laws prevent.

that is what I meant.

edited my post.

[Atropellador]

Originally Posted by PeppermintPatty

As for buying alcohol or renting an apartment, only one person needs to sign the lease, and once you get old enough you are rarely carded for liquor, and I bet you could talk your way out of it if you were.

Looks like leasing has also changed since your early years. All the apartments I've rented (or gotten close enough to renting to talk terms) have required all occupants over the age of majority to sign the lease an be jointly and severally responsible for rent/liable for damages.

[PeppermintPatty]

Originally Posted by Atropellador

Looks like leasing has also changed since your early years. All the apartments I've rented (or gotten close enough to renting to talk terms) have required all occupants over the age of majority to sign the lease an be jointly and severally responsible for rent/liable for damages.

!!!

My guess is that varies locally, and by landlord.

[Incredible Hulctuary]

Originally Posted by PeppermintPatty

You usually need a birth certificate or a passport or a green card to prove you are allowed to work. But I've never needed to prove anything more than that. And there are plenty of ways for people to get by without taking the sort of job that checks eligibility.

A Social Security card + state ID/DL is an option for proving eligibility to work, for those who don't have or don't want to show their green card or passport.

[Whiskey]

Originally Posted by TheGillotine

I needed a combination Social Security card and gov't-issued photo ID card to get my current job.

no you didn't. It was the most convenient options for most people, but it is not required at all.

This form might be what you were thinking of completing, but as you can see on the final page, you can complete it without having a government issued photo ID:
https://docs.google.com/viewer?url=h...s/form/i-9.pdf

[Whiskey]

Originally Posted by Incredible Hulctuary

A Social Security card + state ID/DL is an option for proving eligibility to work, for those who don't have or don't want to show their green card or passport.

you can actually use College/School ID plus Social Security Card. So, it doesn't have to be Government issued ID.