What do you think of a required national ID for all American citizens?

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 18:02:23 -0400

A recent post about voting raised this issue. Since most people on RallyPoint have served in the military, and we're used to having an ID card, this may be a somewhat biased population. Nevertheless, what do you think? And why?

Response by PO2 Brian Lathe made Oct 30 at 2014 7:16 PM

PO2 Brian Lathe — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 19:16:30 -0400

We already have a social security card. While that isn't a national id, it does serve a purpose for what it needs to. What would be the purpose of a national id? If it had a good and reasonable purpose, I would consider a different answer. But to have one just to have one, no. For purposes of voting, I believe state photo IDs should be used.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2014 7:57 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 19:57:38 -0400

While this could have possible benefits (voter fraud, fraud in general), I think this opens up a slippery slope. Could a police officer demand ID without cause? Would I have to use this every time when doing purchases of high value? What databases would this card link to and what protections will I have to prevent identity theft? These are a few things I would like to see prior to going for a national ID card.

Response by SrA Marc Haynes made Oct 30 at 2014 8:20 PM

SrA Marc Haynes — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 20:20:01 -0400

I quite honestly can't see what the issue with people showing a state issued ID in order to vote. Can someone please explain to me what the uproar is about it?

Response by SrA Marc Haynes made Oct 30 at 2014 8:34 PM

SrA Marc Haynes — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 20:34:23 -0400

Couldn't they put a picture on the SSN card? I don't carry mine anymore since the whole ID theft started. I think if there was more diligence with issuing driver licenses, state IDs, etc. they could work. Of course we have states that are going to issue illegal aliens driver licenses so there's a problem.

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Jul 17 at 2015 11:32 AM

LTC Kevin B. — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 11:32:39 -0400

I'd be okay with a national ID card, if it were made easily and readily available, and if it were costless. However, I could see why people would scream against it ("What if I don't want a card?", "Sounds like the Nazis registering everyone.", "Cops will abuse it by arresting people who don't have their cards.", etc.).

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2015 3:22 PM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 15:22:00 -0400

No real reason for it. We really don't need to give the government more reason to track us or our information.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2015 9:44 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 09:44:29 -0400

I believe that it is not unreasonable to ask for an ID to be given in order to vote. To register to vote there are basic requirements (1) be at least 18 years of age at the time of the next election, (2) being a U.S. citizen and (3) be a resident of the jurisdiction where the individual is registering. How is anyone going to show that they meet the requirements? They have to provide documentation. If they are providing the documentation. This same documentation could be used to receive an ID at the voting site and or during registration. We already have in place a system called the "Passport Card" The U.S. Passport Card can be used to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry and is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book. I don't agree with the premise that the poor and the elderly should be exempt from having an ID. The majority must have already had to produce documentation or IDs to receive any number of social programs.

Response by SCPO Joshua I made Dec 20 at 2015 8:21 AM

SCPO Joshua I — Sun, 20 Dec 2015 08:21:25 -0500

I'm against it. I don't have any problem with requiring a voter ID card for people who want to vote, or a driver's license for people who want to drive -- but I don't think anyone should be required to have an ID. I can't find any specific justification in the Constitution for it, therefore I can't find that it is a power the federal government possesses.