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About this Blog
Direct democracy -- the Switzerland-inspired system of initiatives, referenda and recalls that allows voters to make and repeal laws in 24 states -- is poorly understood. It isn’t even very direct. Direct democracy has become blockbuster democracy: a half-billion-dollar international industry of signature gatherers, consultants, and election lawyers who use ballot measures less as a method of making law and more as a tool of mega-communications to boost some politicians, hurt others, and supplement lobbying campaigns.
Blockbuster democracy is a decentralized business that practices wide-open politics. This blog aims to provide a center of news, analysis and conversation for and about the industry. We will report from blockbuster democracy’s capital -- California -- but we’ll monitor ballot measures from across the country and around the globe.
Your Blogger: Joe Mathews is an
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Mississippi GOP Wants Voter ID Initiative
Direct democracy came to Mississippi recently -- in 1992. And the initiative process hasn't been used often there so far. But now Republicans in Mississippi are preparing to qualify an initiative that would require citizens to show a government ID before they could vote. The initiative would be a constitutional amendment and could appear on the ballot in 2010.
Given Mississippi's singular history of denying people the right to vote, this initiative is likely to draw national attention -- and controversy -- if it goes forward. Republicans want the initiative because a voter ID requirement has thus far failed to gain support in the legislature.
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Voter ID Initiative
The referenced article states: “I think it would be an emotional issue and a divisive issue,” he said.
He noted how a voter-ID requirement reminds blacks of when they had their rights to vote denied in the past century when Mississippi required them to pay poll taxes or pass literacy tests.
“You have to understand the history behind voting and the right to vote — particularly as it pertains to African-Americans,” said Turner, who is black.
To all this I say GROW UP!! Please if we hold voting sacred shouldn't we all make sure only valid votes count? We use our IDs for so many services and purchases on a daily basis I don't know why this is even a question. Oh I forgot, the Liberals have feelings!! Forget logic and reason. Asking someone for their ID is a post traumatic experience that we must not ever assume voter fraud is ever possible. Though I believe Republicans claims may be hysterical. Most criminals don't look to voting to be on the top of their list. However, it is in the best interest for people to be confident there is transparency in the process. Also California may be going there too. State senator George Runner has filed an initiative. Should be in all 50 states. http://ag.ca.gov/cms_attachments/initiatives/pdfs/i802_initiative_09-000...
At the same time I believe the Democrat proposals are worthy as well. Non violent felons shouldn't be denied voting forever. I think violent felons or serious felonies should have voting rights stricken. I am a big fan of provisional ballots. I don't mind if someone forgets their ID and casts a provisional ballot and must present photo ID within 3 to 5 business days. The concept of same day voter registration is a nice concept but the logistics and determination of residency must be very strict. Verification of residency of same day voter registration is a huge concern. Getting students, homeless, visitors, tourists, military personal and "motel" people to same day voter registration could be abused. This could lead to paying for votes. As for absentee voter registration, I believe, voters should have strict signature verification.