Should there be a fair of democracy and no identity card? It feels strange just hearing it. While in India, Voter ID has been brought to every citizen’s pocket since the 90s, America, the world’s oldest democracy, is still stuck on this issue. The surprising thing is that when India is talking about Digital Voter ID (e-EPIC), then former Vice President of America Kamala Harris is opposing Voter ID by arguing that there is no photocopy machine. It is no less than a joke to hear that in a country called a superpower, an identity card is being called a ‘burden’.
Kamala Harris’s argument: Why is Voter ID avoided?
Kamala Harris argued against voter ID laws by linking them to access and resources. He believes that making Voter ID mandatory does not mean just showing a card. According to him:
· Lack of resources: Many people living in rural areas do not have photocopy machines or easy access to government offices.
· Complexity of the process: If one has to get a photocopy of their ID and mail it in, it would make it impossible for people with limited means to vote.
· Violation of rights: Harris argues that proving identity is necessary but the method should not be such that it makes voting almost impossible.
India’s Voter ID System: Journey from 1993 till now
While America is still stuck on this issue, India had found a solution to it decades ago. Voter ID (EPIC – Electoral Photo Identity Card) was introduced in India in 1993.
· History: It was conceived by former Chief Election Commissioner T.N. Seshan did it. He had insisted on making photo identity card mandatory under election reforms to prevent fake voting. Initially there was huge opposition to this and it was said to be expensive.
· Reach: The Election Commission of India itself makes Voter ID cards free of cost by going door-to-door or at the booth level. Now in the digital era ‘e-EPIC’ is also available.
Difference between politics of America and India
The issue of Voter ID in America is purely a battle of Voter Suppression versus Election Integrity.
1. party line: The Republican Party (Trump faction) believes that ID should be mandatory to prevent fraud. At the same time, the Democrats (Biden-Harris faction) argue that this is preventing poor and black voters from voting because they often do not have a valid ID.
2. Different rules for every state: In India, ‘Election Commission’ is an independent and central institution which makes rules for the entire country. Every state in the US has its own election rules, making creating a national voter ID constitutionally complicated.
3. Infrastructure: India promoted Voter ID as a right, whereas in some parts of the US, obtaining it is still a burden.
4. EVM: In America, standard EVMs like India are not used for elections. The system there is quite different and hybrid. In India, the same type of EVM and VVPAT machines of the Election Commission are used throughout the country. This is not so in America. There, different states and counties (districts) choose machines according to their convenience and budget. Even today in America, more than 90% of the votes are cast on paper ballots. However, machines are used to count these papers.
Voter ID controversy: 5 questions
Why is Kamala Harris opposing making Voter ID mandatory in America?
Harris argues that the poor living in rural areas do not have easy access to photocopy machines or government offices. Making ID mandatory would make it ‘almost impossible’ for them to vote, which is considered ‘voter suppression’.
When and who started making Voter ID Card (EPIC) in India?
Voter ID was started in India in 1993. This was done by the then Chief Election Commissioner T.N. Seshan had implemented the election reforms so that fake voting and election rigging could be stopped.
What is the difference in the thinking of Republicans and Democrats regarding Voter ID in America?
The Republican Party (like Donald Trump) believes that ID should be mandatory for election transparency. At the same time, Democrats (like Kamala Harris) see it as a conspiracy to prevent poor and minority voters from voting.
Why is the Voter ID system in India considered better than America?
Election Commission in India is an independent central body which itself makes free cards of citizens by going door to door. In contrast, elections in the US are conducted by state governments and there is no single ‘national voter ID’, so the rules vary from state to state.
Can one vote without ID in America?
Yes, voting is possible even without photo ID in many states of America. There identity is confirmed through ‘Signature Verification’ or ‘Affidavit’, whereas in India it is not possible to vote without a valid identity card (Voter ID or other document recognized by the Commission).
