UNIT.III/ Political Participation AP GOVERNMENT / Mr. Wnorowski

WARM-UP

DEBATE VOTER ID LAWS With the presidential election season in full swing, voters are going to the polls to pick their preferred candidates for the country’s highest office. Some of these voters, however, must verify their identity and eligibility before they cast their ballot. These state rules, or “voter ID laws,” are the subject of great controversy. Advocates of voter ID laws argue that it is essential to establish a voter’s identity in order to prevent fraud. Opponents claim that photo ID requirements disenfranchise minorities and people without the means to obtain a photo ID, and that these laws address a problem that doesn’t exist. The purpose of this debate surrounding voter ID laws, will enable you to learn more about voting laws in Texas, and challenges them to think deeply about bigger questions about the nature of voting, privacy, and the duties of citizenship.

DEBATE Watch the PBS NEWS HOUR INTERVIEW With Martin Castro PREVIEW Watch the PBS NEWS HOUR INTERVIEW With Martin Castro Take notes on what the major Issues are regarding Voter access and what is are the obstacles to voting https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMihvp9Zzrs Read: “How Texas’ voter ID law landed it in federal court — again” Review the background of the TEXAS VOTER ID Controversy

DEBATE VOTER ID LAWS EXPALINED Common arguments in favor of voter ID include: In general, it is a good idea to verify a voter’s identity in order to ensure a one-vote-per-person system. There are many cases in which people registered in multiple states vote multiple times. There are many cases in which deceased registered voters cast a ballot—someone is fraudulently claiming to be the deceased voter. Non-citizens vote in large numbers, though they do not possess the legal right to do so. Common arguments against voter ID include: Some people lack photo ID’s and lack the ability to easily obtain one. Voter ID requirements disproportionately disadvantage black and Latino voters. These laws disadvantage minorities, the elderly, and students. Voting fraud is so rare that it is unnecessary to require an ID.

DEBATE PURPOSE: Debate the issue of Whether Voter ID Laws are a necessary requirement for voting DIVIDE CLASS: Half the class will support Voter ID Laws , half will take position opposing Voter ID Laws. Conduct research using the resources below to develop your positions. Be prepared for Both Sides Review the Texas Voter ID Law Provisions Look at Voter Fraud Statistics Review Pro or Con Side Readings

DEBATE RESEARCH RESOURCES GENERAL RESEARCH Voter Identification Requirements [Interactive Map], National Conference of State Legislatures Texas Voter ID Law Explained Texas Voter ID Law from Vote Texas.Gov Voter Fraud Cases in Texas / Voter Fraud Occurs in Texas

DEBATE RESEARCH RESOURCES PRO-VOTER ID LAWS PRO: “Voter ID Laws Protect the Integrity of our Democracy,”S. News and World Report PRO: “Voter ID Laws are Good Protection Against Fraud,” The Washington Post

DEBATE RESEARCH RESOURCES CON-VOTER ID LAWS CON: “Oppose Voter ID Legislation: Fact Sheet,” American Civil Liberties Union CON: “Voter ID Laws are Designed to Keep People from Voting,”S. News and World Report