The article that I chose for my current events paper came from The New York Times, on September 6, 2002. The title of the article is "Bill to Overhaul System of Voting Is Seen in Danger". It was written by Bill Pear.
"Efforts to pass a bill that would clean up the nation's voting procedures were falling apart as Partisan disagreements grew with the approach of fall elections." Bipartisan majorities of the House and the Senate voted for different versions of the Legislation, intended to prevent ballot disputes. Among other things, the bills would provide money to help states buy new voting machines. The version of the bill supported by Republicans would establish identification requirements for first time voters who registered by mail. Such voters would have to present a photo identification such as a Driver's License or a Social Security card before being permitted to vote. Democrats supported a version of the bill requiring only a signature on a form at the polls. Democrats said proposed requirements by Republicans could discourage participation by blacks and Hispanic Americans. Both versions of the bill would require states to maintain computerized lists of registered voters. Also, voters would have to have a way to verify selections, change their ballots and to correct errors, and voting places must be accessible to people with disabilities. Republicans and Democrats disagree greatly over how to enforce new standards. Republicans would like the responsibility to lie solely with the Justice Department, while Democrats want individuals and civil rights groups to be able to file suits to halt violations.
It is a scary thought that our government can't agree on a simple issue such as voting. This is the kind of rhetoric that creates distrust of the government. If I go to Wal-Mart and purchase an oil change, I am handed a portable computer on which I choose the type of oil I would like, additions to the service, and I use a plastic wand to record my signature at the bottom.
