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The recent, confusing development in Virginia’s photo identification requirements for voters carries even more serious implications than the bleak picture described in The Post’s Aug. 15 editorial “The GOP’s war on voters.”
The new regulation will unnecessarily burden some 200,000 Virginians by requiring them to obtain a photo ID before voting. Those holding an ID that expired more than a year before the election will need to replace it or obtain a free Virginia voter photo ID. Many election officials opposed efforts to narrow the range of valid IDs, and the League of Women Voters will be monitoring citizens’ experience with the regulation’s implementation.
The point is clear. At least 200,000 active voters in Virginia lack driver’s licenses, and many of them may also lack other photo IDs that the state now may consider valid for the purpose of voting. If the Republicans’ goal was to disenfranchise those voters, they have done a fine job.
The regulation tramples the rights of voters, particularly those from underrepresented groups and unnecessarily burdens our hardworking election officers. Instead of focusing on keeping the polls running smoothly, they will have to spend time scrutinizing IDs and expiration dates.
Anne Sterling
President, League of Women Voters of Virginia.