Trump renews voter ID push before midterms

Washington: US President Donald Trump has renewed his demand for mandatory photo identification and proof of citizenship for voters, placing election rules at the centre of his campaign to retain Republican control of Congress in November.

Trump called for passage of the Save America Act during a Republican rally in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on Friday.

“Finally, we must pass the Save America Act to defend our sacred American elections,” Trump said.

The President said the legislation should require every voter to produce identification carrying a photograph and establish that the person is a US citizen.

“All voters must show photo voter, voter ID, and all voters must provide, very simply, proof of citizenship,” he said.

Trump said his administration had secured a victory in the Supreme Court on the issue but argued that legislation was needed to make the requirements permanent.

“We had a victory in the Supreme Court on this subject, but we gotta get it done permanently and good,” he said.

The President repeatedly accused Democrats of opposing voter identification and proof-of-citizenship requirements. He did not provide details about the court ruling or the proposed legislation during the rally.

“We want you to just show ID, please. Voter ID with a photo if it’s okay,” Trump told the gathering.

Darlene Graham, the Republican Senate candidate Trump was campaigning for, also endorsed the measure. She said the Save America Act was the first bill she had co-sponsored.

“If you need an ID to check out a library book, you definitely need one to vote,” Graham said.

She also promised to support ending the Senate filibuster if that were required to approve the legislation.

“And you know what else? I’ll end the filibuster to save it and get it passed,” she said.

Trump tied the voter identification debate to the November midterm elections. He warned that Democratic control of Congress would threaten his border, tax and other domestic policies.

The President urged supporters to behave as though his name were appearing on the ballot, arguing that Republican candidates needed the same voters who had backed him in presidential elections.

“What I really want you to do is pretend, please, that I’m on the ballot,” Trump said.

“I am on the ballot. We’re all on the ballot. Our country’s on the ballot,” he added later in the speech.

Trump also repeated claims about election integrity and said Republicans must achieve a decisive result.

“We have to make the midterm elections too big to rig,” he said.

The President warned that Democrats would seek to impeach him if they gained control of Congress. He alleged that some Democratic lawmakers were already discussing impeachment without identifying a reason.

“You have to get out and vote in the midterms,” he said.

Trump’s voter identification proposal formed part of a wider list of priorities he said Republicans would pursue. These included tougher criminal penalties, changes to healthcare payments, lower prescription drug prices and restrictions affecting transgender athletes and medical procedures involving children.

Unlike India, the United States does not operate a single nationwide voter identification system.

India’s Election Commission issues photo identity cards to registered electors, although other approved documents may also be accepted for identification at polling stations.

IANS