Final answer:
Voter ID laws are intended to prevent voter fraud but have been criticized for disproportionately affecting certain demographic groups such as the elderly, minorities, and the poor.
Step-by-step explanation:
Voter ID laws are a subject of controversy in the United States, with some seeing these laws as necessary for the prevention of voter fraud, while others criticize them for creating barriers to voting and thereby hurting democracy. Proponents argue that ID requirements ensure the integrity of elections by preventing illegal voting practices. In contrast, opponents of voter ID laws highlight that these laws can disproportionately affect certain demographic groups, including the elderly, minorities, and low-income individuals. For instance, obtaining a free state ID might require documents like a birth certificate, which can cost up to $25, thereby creating a financial barrier to voting. Additionally, rural residents may struggle to reach ID offices, and certain demographics, such as individuals without a college education or those with lower incomes, may find themselves less likely to have the right paperwork or identification required.
After the repeal of several provisions of the 1965 Voting Rights Act in 2013, some states implemented new voter ID laws. While these states claim the laws are needed to combat fraud, data from the Department of Justice between 2002 and 2005 shows minimal instances of voter fraud, questioning the necessity of such stringent measures. Critics argue that these laws have been enacted to resolve a non-existent problem and end up disenfranchising groups of voters who are less likely to possess government-issued identification. Consequently, these restrictions not only create a financial obstacle but can also result in lower voter turnout among the affected groups, challenging the inclusivity of the electoral process.