Forget having to prove you are who you say you are before you vote. Now, you don’t even have to prove you live where you’re casting a ballot.
According to a judge in New Hampshire, it’s ridiculous for the state to require that its voters prove they actually live there before heading to the polls.
Contrary to common sense, the court upheld a temporary injunction against a GOP law that went into effect last year which required voters registering within 30 days of an election to submit documented proof that they actually live in the state, siding with Democrats who say such a measure prevents certain voters like students, disabled persons and the homeless from being able to cast a ballot.
“The measure, which passed largely along party lines and went into effect last year, required those seeking to register within 30 days of an election to present documents proving that they live in the area where they intend to vote,” Reuters explains. “Without such proof, they must agree to either send it in within 10 days or the state will seek to verify their domicile.”
But apparently, trying to make sure last-minute registered voters actually live where they’re trying to vote (rather than, say, coming or being bussed in from outside to tip the scales) is just too cumbersome a requirement for New Hampshire residents. New Hampshire Democratic Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter said she objects to the requirement, saying that “This law undermines our state’s reputation for holding free and fair elections, and it hurts our democracy.”
For now, New Hampshire Associate Attorney General Anne Edwards said the state is reviewing the law and determining next steps.