Voter ID: Court ruling another ballot for change
New Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann, a Republican, was successful this legislative session in getting a package of voting reforms approved.
They include restrictions on how agents assist with absentee voting, absentee ballot fraud, curbside voting for the disabled, nursing home voter fraud, poll worker training and other issues.
But voter ID failed. Why? Politics mainly. But also, it’s a solution in search of a problem. It’s simply not demonstrated to be a problem in Mississippi, and the reforms Hosemann proposed should take care of the real issues.
With this ruling, however, the handwriting is on the wall. Democrats should seek a compromise that will satisfy the federal courts and also take into account Mississippi’s history regarding voting rights.
Clarion Ledger Editorial
4/30/8
Magnolia Tribune
