A new Arizona law requires proof of citizenship to vote. Arizona is the first state to have such a requirement.

While I am generally VERY supportive of the idea, I think some of our current problems need to be remedied before such a plan doesn't limit the rights of some of its citizens.

I have been without the documents needed by AZ to establish identity at points in my life. Because obtaining a birth certificate ALWAYS has cost attached, and, according to the article in question, a social security card (which doesn't have cost attached), doesn't seem to be adequate, there's a question of how many individuals in poorer communities would be able, much less willing, to obtain their birth certificates from their home states to register to vote (a thought: could these costs, which are, admittedly minimal, be offset by voter registration groups whose stated purpose is to increase voter participation in these demographics?) I am also wondering how many of these individuals will undergo the even lengthier process of registering to vote (although also forced to ask, if they aren't willing to do it, are they very dedicated to that right?)

I think on the surface, Arizona's law is a VERY common sense (and essential) law. But I will have to watch and wait to see if it has any effect on voter registrations among minority citizens. If it decreases participation among minorities, perhaps it will be time to consider whether remedies are needed, and if so, who bears the brunt of the responsibility for these remedies. Voting in this country is a sacred right, and there should not be an infinite number of barriers to the polls. But at the same time, steps do need to be taken to ensure that every vote cast is cast LEGALLY.