Letter: Voters Should Provide Photo ID at the Polls

Letter to the editor as submitted:

It has come to my attention that Congressional Candidate Shelly Adler is opposed to requiring photo identification for voting. Let us say, for the sake of argument, that there is no proof or no research has been done to show that there is a problem in New Jersey. We know other states have a problem and why wait until the problem gets to the point where it is no longer isolated. Why is it intrusive or inconvenient to ask for a photo I.D. to take part in this great American privilege? It should never be violated.
When you use a credit card or cash a check, you are asked for photo identification. To rent a hotel room or get a rental car you need to show photo identification. It is necessary when you have a prescription for a controlled substance, or even to go to the doctor's office. To board an airplane, drive a car, or travel outside the United States – identification is required. Even students from middle school, high school, and college are issued a photo I.D. You need a photo I.D. to enter a federal courthouse, or even tour one of American’s greatest symbols – the White House. Even if you don't drive, you can go to any MVC Agency in the State and get a photo I.D. I don't understand why Mrs. Adler would be against photo I.D.'s. Voting in the United States is the right of our citizens and it is a tradition that only American’s can take part in. Why would she want to take a chance on violating our system?

Susan Bond-Masterson
Toms River, NJ