Voter ID Laws and Election 2012

Screenshot of a Times interactive graphic, "The Newest Voter ID Laws." Go to related graphic » Credit New York Times
6 Q’s About the News

Use the related article to answer basic news questions.

Use the Times Topics page overview on voting rights along with the interactive graphic on the newest voter ID laws to answer these questions.

WHAT, according to the Times Topics page overview, are voter ID laws?
WHAT do Republicans say about why new laws and rules on voter fraud are needed?
WHAT do Democrats say about why Republicans want these changes?

WHO, according to Democrats, are most affected by voter ID laws?

WHERE, according to this graphic, are new voter ID laws in effect for this election?
WHERE are the states that have strict requirements for photo IDs?
WHERE are the five swing states with new laws in effect for this election?

HOW are the states sized on the map?
HOW do you feel about voter ID laws in general?

WHY are some states on the graphic shaded with two colors?
WHY do Electoral College votes matter?

WHEN is Election Day this year?

Related: Our complete list of Election 2012 resources.

Comments are no longer being accepted.

I believe that in order to protect our democratic process that every person entering into the ballot box should be required to show valid identification.

I think people should have to show ID to vote so people aren’t voting for other people!

my teacher is making me do this, But in my oppinion, there shouldnt be a voting law. I feel like it makes it more complex than it needs to be.
That is my comment.

i dont think you should have to show an ID sence it is an anonamouse vote thats just how i feel!

personal i can see why the laws are being considered but i think it doesn’t really matter is it goes throw or not. wm

i think the voter id laws will do good at cutting down fraud once in full effect!

Voting with an ID sounds like the best way to go.

I personaly think it dose’t matter if photo ID is required. Sure it would help prove there identy but it wouldnt make sence because the votes are anonamouse and its not like you put your name on the the ballet.

These new restrictions are only putting more things in front of the voters to make them not want to vote. america as a nation is already lazy we don’t need more rules getting in the way of things we already barley do