Although there is little doubt that some voter fraud occurs in American elections, there is very little evidence that the fraud is substantial or that it actually influences election results. Very few elections are decided by small margins. In order to alter an otherwise honest result, the fraud would have to be very substantial – involving many people – and not isolated instances where some felon shows up to vote when he should not have done so. It is very likely that major fraud is going to be detected because with many people, leaks are a virtual certainty. There is also no proof that requiring voters to show IDs will eliminate voter fraud. Does anyone believe that minors who show up in bars with photo IDs of their 21-year-old friends are never served alcohol?
Just as there is no doubt that some voter fraud occurs, there likewise is little doubt that voter ID laws will prevent some people from legally exercising their right to vote. So, which is worse – allowing people to vote illegally, or preventing people from voting legally? Which is worse – allowing a guilty man to go free or sending an innocent man to prison?
We can’t have it both ways. Regardless of which side you favor, some injustice is bound to occur. It’s not a perfect world, and it never will be one. From my perspective, denying honest people their right to vote is an unforgivable injustice. The right to vote is the single most basic right we have as citizens of the United States. Voter ID laws will prevent some fraud, but they will also deny honest Americans their right to vote. I’d rather have a little fraud than deny an American citizen his right to vote, wouldn't you?
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