Light turnout makes for smooth voter ID rollout

City polling place reports few glitches

By Ed Nadolski

Editor in Chief

Not everyone is happy with the state’s voter ID law, but those feelings didn’t hamper a relatively smooth rollout of the new regulations at one of Burlington’s polling places during Tuesday primary election.

Poll workers at Burlington United Methodist Church, which handles voters from the city’s 3rd and 4th Aldermanic Districts, said as of midday most residents approached with IDs in hand and smiles on their faces.

“Everybody seemed prepared,” remarked Elizabeth Peterson, who checked voters in.

For the first time, in addition to stating their names, voters were required to show an acceptable form of ID and sign the voter registry indicating they received their ballot.

Poll worker Kelly Kalmes said of the voters who spoke up, the majority did so in support of the new regulations.

“A lot commented that they’re glad the new rules are in place,” she said.

Among those was Joe Gulla, who said, “I like it. To me, it’s the way to go. This makes sure you are who you say you are.”

Even some who philosophically disagree with the new requirements had to admit the process wasn’t difficult.

Voter Joe Norwood said he didn’t have a problem showing his ID, but added that he disagrees with the requirement.

“Anyone with a Social Security card should be able to vote (without having to show ID),” he said.

The debate on the issue has largely been split down the aisle between political philosophies with conservatives maintaining that showing an ID is a small price to pay for better ensuring the integrity of the vote by discouraging fraud, and liberals contending the requirement unreasonably disenfranchises legitimate voters on the margins who are least likely to have drivers licenses, official state ID cards or other acceptable forms of ID.

The new law does include a provision under which the state will provide ID cards without cost to those who request them.

While that debate won’t be put to rest any time soon, the poll workers at the church agreed the real test of voter ID will be a practical one and will most likely come during a major fall election for governor or president.

Because the voter ID requirement adds a bit more time to the check-in process, elections with heavy turnouts could face even longer lines.

As it was, Tuesday’s relatively light turnout – the only thing on the ballot was the primary for local School Board – created the perfect conditions for poll workers and voters to become acclimated to the new process.

“It’s a good training day for us and them,” Peterson said.