Even those who favor requiring identification at the polls should vote NO on the proposed amendment. It is unnecessary, as no court has ever ruled voter ID itself unconstitutional, only that our lawmakers were intentionally targeting disfavored voters.

Too, a Constitution endures when technology does not. In 1918, nobody carried around a laminated plastic photo ID, and in 2118 such a thing might seem quaint. Thoughtful, informed legislators could have added “or biometric” to the proposed amendment, but they didn’t.

Finally, some states have enacted policies that are blatantly unfair. All fair-minded citizens should be disgusted by such mischief, especially those who favor voter ID as a means to protect the credibility of elections.

And who is to say who might be targeted in the future? There is plenty of room for compromise and mutual respect, so prudent legislators could have taken opponents’ concerns seriously and addressed them. That they expect us to just trust them is reason enough for the good people of this state to reject this amendment.

— Luke Hamaty

China Grove