Mississippi legislation that would require residents to present valid photo identification in order to vote this November contains a measure that threatens to throw some prospective voters into a disenfranchising catch-22 situation.
The law, signed by Gov. Phil Bryant (R) earlier this year but still pending federal approval, includes a measure allowing Mississipians to get free voter ID cards if they present a birth certificate. But Mississippi law also requires its residents to show valid photo identification in order to get a copy of their birth certificate. Most applicants for voter ID cards are presumed to be seeking them because they don't have another acceptable form of photo ID. In other words, no birth certificate, no voter ID -- but also no photo ID, no birth certificate.
According to the Jackson Free Press, Pamela Weaver, spokeswoman for the Mississippi Secretary of State's office, has confirmed the catch-22.