Protesting Voter ID Laws

[Guinevere]

I've lived in some of the largest cities and metro areas in the country, and not once have I had to show ID to use a credit or debit card, do most banking, or visit the doctor. I haven't "cashed" a check in some time, but I don't show ID for that either - even if I go inside the bank for the transaction.

When a store or bank checks your ID they are helping to prevent others from using your credit card or other benefit. Many stores in my area of the country ask for ID with a credit card. The bank always asks me for ID when I do banking. Of course that could be because I'm a suspicious looking character.

I didn't say banks couldn't check ID, or didn't have a good reason for it --- just that I rarely get asked for ID. Usually, my atm card is sufficient --- and anyone could have that.

As Sue pointed out, State Court (where a bar card and photo ID get you past the metal detectors without any checks), Federal Court (where a bar card and photo ID let you keep your phone on your person), and the airport (where photo ID gets you treated like every other animal being herded through the gates) are the only places I can think of lately where I have shown ID.

This morning I ordered a space heater on-line at Lowes for in-store pickup. 30 minutes later I sailed into the store, asked for the DeLonghi space heater at the front desk, signed for it, and it was in my car. No ID, not even a verification of my name, or the order number, or the email address. As I said in another thread, I can't think of when I've ever been asked for ID an a polling place, either. Maybe I just look innocent and angelic

Edited to add: I guess the last time I started a new job I had to provide proof of identify and eligibility to work to fill out the I-9. I also needed photo ID to be seated to take the MD and MA bar exams.

[Sue U]

As Sue pointed out, State Court (where a bar card and photo ID get you past the metal detectors without any checks),

Never needed an ID for state court in either NJ or PA; I don't even have a bar card for NJ. I go through the metal dtectors; they always beep, the guards always wave me through. Apparently, all ya gotta do is wear a suit.

[Guinevere]

Yes, that helps. Some of them, at the smaller courthouses or if I'm there daily because I'm on trial, recognize me and wave me through. Some will stop me as I'm fumbling for the card and wave me through. Some will say "bar card" as I approach and if I answer affirmatively, wave me through. Some want to look at the card and ID. It all depends.

And BTW, a MA bar card has a name, address, bar #, and is signed. No photo. New card every year. And its that flimsy self-laminate. Anyone could make one -- although all that gets you is *inside* a courthouse -- and I'm guessing most folks who engage in identity theft don't want to go there!

[BoSoxGal]

Security in rural Maine/Montana courthouses is scary - nonexistent. The metal detectors in both places sat in the back of the courtroom, unused. Entry to the courthouse is wide open.

Someday a family law case party is going to lose it and open fire in one of our courtrooms, I'm (sadly) sure.

[Jarlaxle]

As Sue pointed out, State Court (where a bar card and photo ID get you past the metal detectors without any checks),

Never needed an ID for state court in either NJ or PA; I don't even have a bar card for NJ. I go through the metal dtectors; they always beep, the guards always wave me through. Apparently, all ya gotta do is wear a suit.

When Liz had to go in (jury duty), she had to show ID. Of course, she was waved through with a pair of foot-long stilettos in plain sight! Great security.