This story makes me sick.

All across this country, Americans citizens are having their right to vote threatened or taken away. One of the most basic rights in a representative democracy is being stripped from low-income citizens and young people in almost every state by new legislation requiring voters to bring state-issued identification to the polls with them. A few states have already passed this kind of law. After the last election, many more are following their lead.

My own state of Minnesota is one of the followers.

This may not seem like such a big deal at first. Hell, it may even sound like a good idea at first. Especially if you already have your driver’s license. There are a few things to consider, however.

In the 2010 elections, the GOP made huge gains not just on the federal level, but also in state and local governments. These new requirements are coming mainly from states where the GOP is in strong control, like Minnesota.

The new ID-check before voting would prevent millions of legal citizens from casting their ballots, because they do not have a state-issued ID. Could they go get one? Sure, if they have their birth certificate, social security card, and somewhere around 20 bucks (in Minnesota) to go get one. It’s hard enough to encourage the apathetic citizens who don’t think their vote makes a difference. Who is going to want to go through that kind of hassle just to cast a vote? Low-income families would most likely opt to spend that 20 dollars to put more food on the table, instead of worrying about an election.

Consider the groups of people this would mostly effect. Low-income families, minorities, elderly folks who have let their license expire because they don’t drive anymore, and young adults who haven’t gotten a driver’s license. It’s not a coincidence all of these groups trend more towards Democratic candidates.

Even college students attending state universities would not be allowed to use their student ID’s at the polls. Again, college students tend to vote for Democrats.

What’s that? You went to college out-of-state and left your birth certificate, social security card, etc. at your parents’ house? Sorry, you can’t vote here.

Just decided a couple of days ago you wanted to vote, but didn’t have time to go through the whole process of getting a state ID? Sorry, try again next time.

Stopped driving a few years ago and let your driver’s license expire? Sorry, you can’t vote to keep your Medicare.

Volunteering for a campaign and trying to register voters for the election? If your audience didn’t bring their ID’s or birth certificates with them, tough luck.

Don’t make too much money and would rather spend your money on food for your children than getting a worthless ID? Sorry, your priorities to your family are silly.

Since when have we ever required anyone to pay any dollar amount to activate their right to vote in an election?

Let’s be clear here. This is an intentional effort by the GOP to make voting a pain in the ass for groups who tend to vote for their opponents. They will tell you it is about preventing fraud, preventing illegals from voting, but it is pretty obvious what is really going on. They want to discourage people from voting who aren’t likely to vote for them.

It’s worth noting that in Minnesota, this bill has already passed the GOP-controlled Senate. It’s expected to be voted on in the House as early as next week. Governor Dayton has said he won’t support it, but that’s not stopping the Republicans. They want to put the issue on the ballot in 2012, just like they are planning to do with the gay marriage ban. If they go that route, Dayton doesn’t have any power to stop it.

But we do.

It’s important for all of us to understand what is at stake here. This isn’t about illegal immigrants voting. This isn’t about protecting election integrity. It’s about suppressing your right to be heard in our elections. It puts voting rights on a pedestal that is harder to reach for some, and completely out of reach for others.