When you cash a check at the bank, buy medicine from the pharmacy, or purchase alcohol or cigarettes at the store, you have to show your ID. So why should it be any different for voting?

As the presidential election draws closer, the argument over voter ID laws has returned to the spotlight. President Obama and the Democratic Party contend that being able to vote is a right that every American over the age of 18 possesses.

While the statement is true, I don’t buy into the argument that requiring voters to show an ID violates this right. For example, while the Second Amendment gives every American citizen the right to own a firearm, you cannot legally purchase one without an ID and a background check.

Another argument against voter IDs is that it tries to disenfranchise those in poverty, minorities, and the elderly. I disagree with this argument as well. If you have a job, you get paid, whether it’s by an employer or the government. If you get paid, it’s most likely in the form of a check. If you cash a check at the bank, then you need an ID.

Therefore, IDs are part of our every day lives. When electing the person who will affect the lives of the citizens of an entire nation, why is being required to present an ID so offensive?

I agree with the safeguards provided by an ID and background checks for buying firearms. Why wouldn’t you want to take the same precautions when allowing U.S. citizens to participate in voting for the leader of the free world? While Americans are guaranteed many rights, they are not unlimited rights. Restrictions are placed on exercising some of these rights to protect our society.

Finally, I recently went to see my first R rated movie. When purchasing my ticket, I was asked to show my ID to prove I was 17 or older. Instead  of going off on the woman for asking to verify my age, I just showed her my ID and moved on to get my popcorn and soda.

If people do not get up in arms about showing an ID just to watch a movie, then why would they when voting for the President of the United States?

So I do agree with those who want to enforce showing a photo ID in order to vote. Does that make me a  racist or a bully of the poor or elderly? According to some, yes it does. If protecting American citizens by showing a photo ID to vote is offensive, then let’s drop all laws and let everyone run free waving their unregistered guns in the air like they just don’t care.