Every now and then the issue of voter registration or voter suppression arises. After a while it seems that nothing much is done to make everything simpler to vote and so the issue dies away. Voter suppression isn’t new, it has been around since democracy itself and has always been a case of one group trying to prevent another group from having their say. In a true democracy EVERYONE needs to be able to speak out and be heard. Not just one party, not just one age group, not just one class, not just one race, not just one religion, not only those with an education and not just those with their own self-interest in the forefront.
Although somewhat Orwellian I have a suggestion. Perhaps over simplified but nevertheless worth considering. In the United States starting in 1987 infants were issued Social Security cards right there at the hospital if the parents wished. Because infants were dependents for tax purposes most people wanted them registered as soon as possible so it has become the norm. That Social Security Number remains with them for the rest of their lives and is arguably the most important document that they carry from birth to death.
Voter registration is in many ways no less important than a Social Security card and should also be part of the initial documents along with birth certificate for every American child. When that child turns 18 he or she must register for the draft and receive a draft registration card. Presumably it isn’t possible to figure out that from the date of birth and the first registration a period of 18 years has lapsed. About the same time that same child will want to get a driver’s license. Then a professional license, credit card, passport card, student id card, military id card and perhaps veterans administration card.
So while we are about it, why not just have one damn card for EVERYTHING instead of the 180 cards we are now required to carry around with us. Think of the money saved. One card for practically everything. After all, the government, the internet, computers, credit reporting companies, advertisers, banks and tax bureaus already know EVERYTHING there is to know about you. What, you’re surprised?
It is possible that ONE identification card could be issued for each individual at birth that would encompass Social Security, Voter Registration, Draft, School ID, Military ID, etc. Yes, I know it sounds like Nazi Germany but you have NO privacy now, what the hell difference does it make.
When you die they can just bury the damn card with you.