Not All Voter ID is Created Equal

In a social media post, a well-meaning individual stated that Georgia has voter ID laws. Certainly, they do, but that does not equate to effective ID laws. For this blog post, we will compare to Tennessee ID laws. 

To level-set: 

Georgia elected a Republican governor in 2014 with a 53% - 45% win. Tennessee elected a Republican governor with a 70% - 23% win. To be fair, Statewide Tennessee races typically favor the Republican about 65% - 33%. So, about a 10% swing in favor of Democrats in Georgia. Similar, nevertheless. 

Also for level-set:

Georgia Secretary of State voter ID requirements site. 

Tennessee Secretary of State voter ID requirements site. 

Key Differences:

• Please note that the Tennessee site refers to requirements of an ID that has proof of citizenship as a requirement, while Georgia has no such requirements!
• Georgia permits student IDs from state colleges and universities (not necessarily residents!). This is very problematic. 
• Georgia permits Voter ID cards - the requirements for which do not include citizenship!
• Georgia permits an expired driver's license as an ID - even from times when citizenship proof was not required to get the license! And what if someone moved away from Georgia since? 
• A GA voter who does not have an ID can cast a provisional ballot - and the whole thing smacks of fraud. 
• Georgia allows any voter to request a ballot by mail. Tennessee has strict conditions for absentee ballots. 

Conclusion

Seriously, if you read those two lists, and think they are remotely similar, you have reading comprehension issues that this blog cannot correct.