Home > Political Insider > Archives > 2007 > February > 21 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USWonk alert: Study says the heavier the voter ID requirements, the lower the turnout
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A Rutgers University study, in cooperation with the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, has turned up evidence that tighter voter identification rules indeed result in lower voter turnout, particularly among minorities.
Look for this to be brought into the Georgia debate, where the argument has focused on photo ID. Suits are pending in both federal and state courts, though the issue is dead in the Legislature this year.
The study also looked at the effects of other ID requirements. Download the entire (very thick) academic paper by clicking here.
But this is the nut of the report:
These effects translated into reduced probabilities of voting of about 3 to 4 percent for the entire sample, with large differences for specific subgroups.
For example, the predicted probability that Hispanics would vote in states that required non-photo identification was about 10 percentage points lower than in states where Hispanic voters gave their names.
The difference was about 6 percent for African-Americans and Asian-Americans, and about 2 percent for white voters (the gap widened to 3.7 percent for white voters when comparing photo identification to simply stating one’s name.
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Jeff
February 21, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this
Gee…. could it be that it is due to a picture ID having the ability to back up your claim as to who you are????
Sounds like proof of voting fraud among traditional Democratic voting blocs to me….
By Ed
February 21, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this
You must show a photo ID to do just about anything today from cashing a check to boarding an airplane so why not do so with something as important as voting. This is not racial, to say that it is, is beyond absurd. It just proves you want to cheat if you have an issue with this or that you’re use to special treatment that you shouldn’t be getting in the first place. If you have nothing to hide and you’re uprighht and honest show the photo ID and enjoy your vote. Democrats are always pulling the sex or race card; I’m surprised that tired old card is not so worn out and frayed and it still exist in 2007. If you measure people with a different ruler for years and let some groups have special treatment, they’ll expect it always. Require a photo ID for everyone no matter of sex, race, weight, height, left hand or right hand, it makes good solid common sense.
By Jim J
February 21, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this
The ID proposal specifically makes it extremely difficult for low-income people in Atlanta to have access to the officially sanctioned distribution centers.
It is clearly, manifestly and proveably a voter suppression tactic by Republicans aimed at African-American voters.
By Aquagirl
February 21, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this
If you’re uncomfortable with identifying yourself, I’m happy that you’re uncomfortable voting. Anything that gets shifty lowlifes away from the voting booth is good.
By Ed
February 21, 2007 4:29 PM | Link to this
Jim J get a clue guy, no one is telling any race they can’t vote, but we are telling you you will be treated EQUAL and you’ll show an ID to vote just like anyone else. If you’re so concerned anout who does and doesn’t get to vote, then what about the elderly white people, do you care about them? You just want more nutcase lefty liberals cheating at the voting booths.
By Burdell
February 21, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this
Saying that voter ID laws are bad because they result in lower turnout is like saying counterfeiting laws are bad because they decrease the money supply.