Democratic proposal could increase possibility for fraud

Publication Date: 04/03/2009

Regarding the recent controversy surrounding using Purdue IDs to vote, I would like to congratulate the Democratic Party and liberal organizations for a particularly well-executed piece of political theater. It is, however, a play which is fundamentally fraudulent. For the last several years, the state of Indiana has required identification at the polls to protect our democratic process against fraud. The status of Purdue IDs as valid ID for this purpose has been in flux since they lack printed expiration dates.

Without expiration dates, someone could presumably use a school ID from years or decades ago in an attempt to vote, resulting in difficulty matching a decades-old picture with the actual person at the polls. Republicans have expressed concerns about a Democratic proposal to eliminate this expiration date requirement for student IDs, a change which would increase the possibility for fraud. There are a number of ways the issue of student IDs can be resolved. Because some Republicans have expressed concerns with this particular Democratic proposal, leaders such as Randy Truitt have been attacked with a virulence which is totally undeserved. In Tippecanoe County, thanks to leaders in both parties such as Truitt, students were able to swipe their cards to confirm they are current student and use their IDs.

Instead of dropping the requirement for expiration dates, it would seem more reasonable to require state schools to add a two-year expiration date to all IDs issued in the future. Ivy Tech already has expiration dates on their IDs. There are other possible solutions as well. However, we will find no solutions to this and other problems as long as baseless, untruthful and theatrical accusations are substituted for respectful debate. I hope everyone who cares about the enfranchisement of all students will agree.

Joshua Teasdale
Senior, College of Liberal Arts