Mar 23, 2023 2 min read

I would like to suggest that Deidre Lesesne (“Strict voter ID measures restrict access to the ballot,” March 15) Google “reasons for a photo ID.” She will find an article which lists 24 things for which a photo ID is required.

For instance, a photo ID is required to open a bank account; apply for food stamps, welfare, Medicaid/Social Security, unemployment or a job; purchase alcohol, cigarettes and certain cold medicines.

When I want to cash a check at the bank where I have an account, I must provide a photo ID. Likewise, I need one every year when I purchase a fishing license. And I cannot legally drive a vehicle without one.

May I ask how those requirements “disproportionately impact” Blacks and Latinos? Why then would a photo ID hinder them from voting? I’m sorry, it wouldn’t.

There is a valid reason for requiring a legitimate voter to registered in advance and have a photo ID with a current address. How else can the poll worker verify that a person lives where he says he does and is not voting in multiple places? Voter integrity is at stake if anyone can register on Election Day without such an ID.

Richard Kauffman

Canonsburg