To the editor:
I'm a self-advocate who opposes SF 1577, which the Minnesota Senate will soon debate to require all Minnesota voters to have a photo ID. This bill, if it is approved by the Legislature this spring and then by voters in this fall's election, would do much more harm than good, especially to those with disabilities, minorities, and senior citizens.
As a person with a disability, I understand how vital it is to vote and how when I vote, I'm not only contributing to democracy, I'm also doing my civic responsibility. By making people have a photo ID to vote, those with disabilities, minorities, and senior citizens will become disenfranchised. They will have more problems than most people in getting all the necessary documents to apply for a photo ID. Everyone who is able to vote should be allowed to do so without having to jump over huge hurdles.
Voting is a human and civil right for everyone, not just a select few.
Carrie Varner
Marshall