Member Letter to the Craven County Commissioners Supportintg Voter Photo ID

Dear Commissioners,



I am aware that the suggestion of Commissioner Dacey to require driver’s licenses at voting times has come under fire. I would like to show you my SUPPORT of Commissioner Dacey’s suggestion by sharing with you my experience working at the Fort Barnwell poll during the 2008 Presidential election.


It is important that you know that while I did have documentation of this, I did not keep it thinking there would be no need.


The first instance was a woman who came to vote with her husband in her mid to late 60’s. When she gave her name to the attendant, the records showed she had voted in “early elections”. The woman was upset stating she “did not vote in early elections, how could this happen?”. She was unable to vote due to the record. Personally, I was curious about this until one of my dear friends of 15 years reported to me that this exact same situation also happened to her and she was very upset and reported the incident.

Another instance involved 3 individuals who walked in and began to give their names to the attendant. The attendant began looking for the names of these 3 when the Judge of the precinct looked up and asked what they were doing there. (Apparently she knew them personally). The Judge then asked them if they still lived locally, (because she knew they had moved away some time ago). The speaker for the voter group said yes they were here visiting but wanted to vote. The judge then told them they would be unable to vote at this (Fort Barnwell) precinct, they could only vote where their permanent address was listed. The three became angry firing a few words, but left without incident.


Had the Judge not known the individuals, they may have been able to vote if their names were still on the lists even though they had moved. It would have allowed the possibility for them to vote 2ce.

We must show our licenses for EVERYTHING not just driving. We use them for doctors and dental forms, writing checks, using and acquiring credit or debit cards, all forms of insurance, buying alcohol, cigarettes, filling out job applications, opening bank accounts, cashing checks, picking up and filling prescriptions and much, much more. There is only ONE reason not to require it at voting time, illegality…PERIOD!  (ADD PICKING UP MAIL AT THE POST OFFICE TO THAT)

Know that I will be praying about this issue. If there is anything I can do to help in the meantime, feel free to contact me!

Tyker Gonzales