Voter registration already requires proof of citizenship. What is the point of requiring that high bar of proof on the day of voting as well?

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AuryGlenz 8 hours ago | parent | next [-]

In my state it doesn’t require that. You just need someone else that’s registered the vouch for you. A registered person can vouch for up to 8 people:

https://www.sos.mn.gov/elections-voting/register-to-vote/reg...

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tossstone 8 hours ago | parent | prev | next [-]

I've lived in 3 states and none of them have required proof of citizenship to register to vote. You basically check a box that acknowledges that you are a US Citizen with the right to vote and that illegal registration carries penalties.

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grosswait 8 hours ago | parent | prev | next [-]

How is it a high bar of proof if it is already required? Edit: and already met

	▲	stvltvs 7 hours ago \| parent [-]
		It's not a requirement in most places. This would be a significant change in practice.

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nomorewords 8 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

Why have voter registration?

	▲	ericmay 7 hours ago \| parent \| next [-]
		In the United States at least, voter registration will include your place of residence which will place you in a specific precinct. In other words: "I am so and so, and I live here. Votes that affect this area include me, and I get a say." When voters are voting for things, for example a tax levy to fund a new school, or for who will be their state or federal congressional representatives, it's important that the voters in that school district or in that congressional district are the ones voting for their representatives or for the bills or initiatives that affect them. This isn't quite as important for national elections, gubernatorial races, or for the senate at the federal level, but it's obviously incredibly important the more local you get. Without voter registration, that model breaks down. Even mundane things like how much staff and equipment should be at a polling location is not easy to figure out when you don't know how many voters you'll have. If you haven't worked as a poll worker it's really enlightening to learn about how the process works and a great way to meet your neighbors.
	▲	smw 4 hours ago \| parent \| prev [-]
		One of the issues is that the US, unlike most of Europe, for example, doesn't require registering your address with your locality or police when you move.