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

2. WARM-UP

3. 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.

4. 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
Read: “How Texas’ voter ID law landed it in federal court — again”
Review the background of the TEXAS VOTER ID Controversy

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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