Security versus freedom of religion: Which takes priority?

But it is wrong to ask for ID when you vote so it can help illegal aliens. Good thing that this and other issue (HRC security breach in e-mails and many other reasons too much to list on how President Obama weakened the USA'S stance in the world) may make this a mute point in the next administration with a strong-willed attorney General.

I do believe that people wanting to obtain a government issued ID should be able to be identified in the picture. However, I also understand the rationale behind the trouble some people have obtaining one.

1SG Chuck Kindstrand - the issue about the identification for voting is multi-factor. The first being that some individuals are unable to procure the funds for a state issued ID. Often this requires first coming up with the funding for a birth certificate, if not available. And then the issue of transportation to a site that issues the official ID. In rural areas, it can be a problem to have to travel significant distances when you do not drive, and there is not public transportation available. Additionally, it has been shown by various studies that the demographic that is affected disproportionately is African-Americans.

In fact, a recent court ruling by "the Fourth Circuit ruled that North Carolina's law targeted "African Americans with almost surgical precision" by using data on the most common forms of ID by different races "to exclude many of the alternative photo IDs used by African Americans. The bill retained only the kinds of IDs that white North Carolinians were more likely to possess."

This problem could be addressed by the local/state gov't instituting policies that enable people to get the necessary documentation for local/state IDs at no cost, and through the use of mobile ID centers that travel around their jurisdiction. By offering to issue a free (one-time) ID to individuals who meet certain requirements, these barriers could be overcome.

http://www.newsweek.com/voter-id-laws-discriminatory-disenfranchise-485708

I say require ID. The rest is bull. You go to Cal. And get one opinion and NY and get another. Every thing is all about ID and as important as voteing is you should have ID.

SSG (Join to see) - You i say transportation and finances can be causes for one not to obtain a voter ID,but it is amazing how the individuals can show up and vote with no problems,so where is this racist ,it is only racist when people want it to be,people can spend 5-10 bucks for a pack of smokes but their not willing to spend 10 bucks for a ID,this bull cocky,it is just excuses for those who want to be oppressed when it is ideal for them to be,The problem is for the states to get in gear and check stats for who is still alive,who's not a criminal etc,,those that want to vote will make sure they are squared away to do so,i think we have all learned that we must be accountable for own actions and to avoid the invetable

While I don't disagree with your statement the fact seem to be many states have a religious opt out on the photo and it was news to me for sure.

As that is the case (and likley case law somewhere) if I refused to visually identify myself to an officer... (Sir please remove your helmet, ME: Umm, no thank you sir) why should I be treated any different then a Muslim woman with a Burka who's allowed to not visually identify herself???

As a cop I'd say you need to look into your state's Supreme Court's rulings on such issues as there's some variance between the states in interpreting the 4th Amendment. Could be an interesting test case.

1SG(P) (Join to see) - Agreed,,I dont think it would pass the smell test, as my "want" would not be based on religious exception.
That aside....I still find it amazing (read serious stupid, scary, dumb, ignorant in the ways of the world) that some states have allowed State ID's to be issued with no way to identify the owner in question.

Another aspect to be questioned; is motor vehicle operation a right or a privilege?

Or proving your ID!

LTC (Join to see) - How is it 'a mess in Canada"? As you pointed out, the woman was identified WITHOUT her niqab, prior to being sworn in as a citizen. A hijab would only cover her hair and is as acceptable as a kippah is to a Jewish man. I personally oppose the wearing of niqabs and burkas as they have very little to do with the Qur-an, but it's not my life or my choice.

(Join to see) - it is a mess because she can sign 'o Canada' as a masked woman.

As can I - try singing "Oh Canada" in -20C weather and see just how much of MY face you're going to see. Not much :D