Rice County Republicans

We (the editor’s)  believe that a  trusted voting process is essential if people are to continue in the legitimacy of our elected governments. Just as universal taxes (like sales taxes) give  everyone some ownership  in keeping government small and accountable, a trusted voting process helps make everyone feel that their vote is counted. Therefore, we find this event to be important and forward this invitation for your (the reader’s)  consideration and support.

 From MNVOTERS.ORG   

 Citizen’s group(s) launch  PHOTO ID petition drive in St. Paul for City elections.

Two public interest groups, the Minnesota Voters Alliance and the Citizen’s for Responsible Taxation, a St. Paul-based organization, have  launched a petition drive to amend the St. Paul and Duluth City Charters to require voters to present PHOTO ID when voting in city elections.   The groups plan to submit the necessary signatures by July 10th, 2010,to place a referendum on the November 2010 ballot pursuant  to the Minnesota Statute 410.

Voter ID protects the rights of legitimate voters!  If undocumented persons, convicted felons and dead people are allowed to vote, or if  properly registered voters have their identities stolen by someone casting  an illegal ballot, THE VOTES OF ALL LEGITIMATE VOTERS ARE DEVALUED!

The electoral system cannot inspire public confidence if no safeguards exist to deter or detect fraud or to confirm the identity of voters. Photo  identification cards currently are needed to board a plane, enter federal buildings, and cash a check or even rent a rug doctor.  According to a recent Rasmussen and Opperman polls, over 77% of citizens think requiring PHOTO ID’s is a good idea.   “Many people are  surprised to learn that Photo ID isn’t already a requirement.  This will undoubtedly help statewide efforts to help guarantee the integrity of our  elections”, said Kurt Kastel, President of the Citizen’s for Responsible Taxation.

“We got over 300 signatures in the first couple days with little effort,I never thought I’d see an issue where nearly everyone supports it!”,  said Andy Cilek, Executive Director, Minnesota Voters Alliance.

The proposed Charter Amendment reads:   In all St. Paul elections for the offices of Mayor and City Council, and special elections held under the  City Charter, voters voting in person must present a valid  photo ID card prior to casting their ballot.  Such Photo ID must be  one of the following;  a current Minnesota Driver License,  State ID, an ID card issued by the  U.S. Government, or a Tribal Government.    If a citizen cannot afford a  photo ID,  The City shall provide the means for the voter to obtain a Minnesota ID at no cost.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2007 in Crawford v Marion County Elections in Indiana, that Voter ID was a constitutional method for  citizens to assure the integrity of their elections.  We are having a kick-off event in St. Paul, MN on Thursday, November 5th,  7pm at O’Gara’ Bar and Grill in St. Paul and Snelling  and Selby Avenues.   We are planning to Kick-off the Duluth event on Saturday, November 14th at 10:30AM.   Place TBA. Interested citizens and volunteers are encouraged to  attend!

Reference; www.mnvoters.org