Rolling the Vote

The Democratic-controlled government of Illinois has loosened the rules, permitting same-day registration, extending early voting times, ending photo ID requirements in early voting and making it easier for college students to vote. Describing the changes as a pilot project, the Illinois Legislature adopted them for this election only.

Mr. Thielen, leader of the Republican lawyers’ group, called the temporary imposition of the measures “outrageous” and a transparent effort by Democrats to seek advantage in this year’s close races for governor and other offices.

Let’s pretend, briefly, that racism, classism, and party politics aren’t an issue here. How is it anything but bizarre to argue against measures that allow more people to vote, especially given 1) the United States’ comically depressed voter turnout compared to much of the world and 2) that the notion of widespread voter fraud is a myth unsupported by data (the preferred currency of white men everywhere)?

Disclaimers: I am a white man and I’ve never voted.