The Politics and Problems of Voter ID Laws
Host:
Produced by:
Subscribe to this Podcast:
Listen to/Watch entire show:
Should voters have to show photo ID's on Election Day? Several states say yes and have laws in place. But when South Carolina passed a new law which required a photo ID at the polls, the Justice Department stepped in to block it. Guest host Sara Terry looks at what's at stake. Do ID laws have adverse effects on the election process, or do they help prevent fraud? Also, Kim Jong-Il is laid to rest in North Korea, and the life of Helen Frankenthaler and her impact as a second generation Abstract Expressionist.
Banner image: Hazel Dukes (L), President of the NAACP New York State Conference, and other civil rights activists announce the 'Stand for Freedom' voting rights campaign on the steps of City Hall on November 8, 2011 in New York City. Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images
Making News
Kim Jong Il Laid to Rest in North Korea ()
Analysts are poring over video of today's funeral of Kim Jong Il, looking for clues to who will hold power in North Korea. Kim Jong Un, the third son of the deceased leader, will become the head of state, but his uncle and military leaders appeared to play prominent roles at the funeral as well. Victor Cha is Director of Asian Studies at Georgetown University and a senior advisor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
Guests:
- Victor Cha: Center for Strategic and International Studies, @vcgiants
Main Topic
To Vote or Not to Vote: Debate over Photo ID Laws Heats Up ()
Voter ID laws vary all across the United States. Some states require photos, while others do not. Last week, the Justice Department blocked a new law in South Carolina, requiring a photo ID, saying it would disproportionately affect minorities. Proponents say that ID requirements help prevent election fraud. Is voter fraud really a problem? What role does partisan politics play in these laws? What's wrong with having to prove who you are in order to vote? What impact do photo ID requirements have on who votes or doesn't? Do such laws interfere with one of the most basic rights of American citizenship?
Guests:
- Chad Connelly: South Carolina Republican Party, @chadconnelly
- Scott Huffmon: Winthrop University, @winthroppoll
- Jeffrey Toobin: New Yorker magazine
- Bradley Smith: Capital University
- Keesha Gaskins: New York University Law School, @keeshagaskins
Links:
Reporter's Notebook
Remembering Artist Helen Frankenthaler ()
Helen Frankenthaler passed away at her home in Darien, Connecticut, yesterday. She was one of the most influential artists of her time, a second-generation Abstract Expressionist who developed a method of painting best known as Color Field. She lived a glamorous life, from her marriage to Robert Motherwell through her later years, including a dance at the White House with a man who turned out to be John Travolta. Art historian Phyllis Tuchman has written for many publications including Art Forum, Art in America and Obit magazine. She knew Frankenthaler as a friend for 43 years.
Guests:
- Phyllis Tuchman: art historian and journalist
Links:
Engage & Discuss
Further the conversation with your thoughts and comments. Agree, disagree, present a different perspective -- engage.
For information and guidelines click: Terms of Service | Privacy Policy
Please note, comments are moderated. KCRW reserves the right to edit and or remove posts deemed off-topic, abusive or not in accordance with KCRW's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
