The Colorado Legislature has been called into special session.  And after two days, it is clear that this session is about partisan fighting and political posturing, not real debates about real issues.  To make matters worse, there are measures under consideration that would threaten the rights of Colorado voters and make it harder to cast a ballot.  Colorado Governor Bill Owens is urging the legislature to require proof of citizenship in order to register and vote.

Similar bills were defeated during Colorado's regular legislative session earlier this year. Yesterday, Common Cause, joined by the ACLU and other organizations, testified in opposition to a bill that would have required proof of citizenship to register and vote, and other onerous ID requirements for voting.

Attempts to add oppressive ID provisions only serve to intimidate and deter voters from participating in democracy. Forms of ID such as a birth certificate or passport cannot be obtained without some fee from $20 - $90.  In some cases, where records have been lost -- as many have been recently in New Orleans -- they are not easily obtained. In fact, these requirements end up having the effect of a poll tax.