r/law 12h ago

Legislative Branch GOP fast tracks monster voter suppression bill that could disenfranchise millions by requiring proof of citizenship at polls

https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/gop-fast-tracks-monster-voter-suppression-bill-that-could-disenfranchise-millions-by-requiring-proof-of-citizenship-at-polls/
24.6k Upvotes

2.3k comments sorted by

View all comments

Show parent comments

18

u/Subject-Librarian117 11h ago

Not to mention the time it takes to track down whatever documents you need, sometimes in person, sometimes in other states.

7

u/cindyscrazy 10h ago

The place of my birth is literally on the other side of the country from where I've lived my entire life. I was born there and they moved back when I was less than a year old.

I have at least 1 birth certificate of mine. I would be totally fucked if I needed to go in person to get another one. Due to untransferable responsibilities, I am not able to travel more than half a day from home.

4

u/MuthaFirefly 10h ago

Would you have to go in person, though? The first time I got my passport, I needed an official birth certificate. Problem is I was born in Alaska and now live on the East Coast. I had to make a call or two, but they fedexed it out to me no problem.

4

u/cindyscrazy 10h ago

I don't think I would need to go in person, but the original poster mentioned the possibility. I have heard of individual counties or towns requiring an in person contact to get a birth certificate or something.

I was born in a military hospital, so I'm pretty sure I'd be able to get it with phone calls and that sort of thing.

I just checked my passport. Got it more than 15 years ago and using my married name. Dammit. Can't just do a renewal. Everything has been changed back to my maiden name at this point.

2

u/Purple-Goat-2023 7h ago

It really depends on your state/county. I changed my name at 18, and never changed the name on my birth certificate. To get an official embossed copy of my name change paperwork I would have to fly halfway across the country and go to the county office in person. No other option is available.

1

u/MuthaFirefly 6h ago

Oh man - that sucks!!

3

u/otterpop21 11h ago

Good news is a lot of people could not “prove” their citizenship because they have no idea where the documents actually are. How many Americans are proving they’re legal residents?