During the General Assembly debate over voter ID measures, we objected to the proposals for the standard reasons, including a lack of evidence that any widespread problem exists. Now that such evidence has come to light through a State Police investigation, we're willing to accept the factual premise behind the new law.
Not everybody is. State Sen. Henry Marsh, for example, says the revelations "don't convince me of anything other than the fact that somebody is trying to create an impression that doesn't exist."
Others are willing to accept the premise but not the conclusion. Del. Jennifer McClellan and the ACLU of Virginia both argue that voter ID measures address voter impersonation, not unlawful voting. If felons are voting, says McClellan, "then the [voter ID] law is not going to fix that."
Fair point. But it raises a question: Would opponents of voter ID support legislation that would fix it? For instance, a system of instant background checks at the polls — similar to the instant background checks required for firearms purchases — would ensure that only those eligible to vote could do so. It would be easy and inexpensive to implement, too.
Would opponents of stricter voter ID laws be willing to support such a proposal — which would address a genuine problem with a relevant solution?