It seems very strange to me that in the USA, one is required to have a photo ID to operate a boat, but a photo ID is not required to vote in National elections.
I have been boarded three times and asked to provide ID all three times. Show them what you have. If they don't like it, they will have to deal with it.
That’s because they have robust mechanisms in place, which you don’t have on boats.
I’ve never been asked for an ID on a boat either despite being stopped for checks by the coast guard.
For example in California which is one of the most liberal state basically requires ID when you vote for the first time and certainly when you actually register to vote.
“ California does not require voters to present photo identification. However, some voters may be asked to show a form of identification when voting if they are voting for the first time after registering to vote by mail and did not provide a driver license number, California identification number, or the last four digits of their social security number.[1][2]
The following list of accepted ID was current as of November 2019. Click here for the California Secretary of State page on accepted ID to ensure you have the most current information.
Copy of a recent utility bill
Sample ballot booklet sent from the county elections office to the voter
Document sent to the voter by a government agency
Passport
Driver’s license
Official state identification card
Student identification that includes name and photograph
Note: This page covers identification requirements for those who are already registered to vote. Documents required for voter registration may differ.”
System obviously works as no fraud has been detected in any state, beyond a handful of people voting their dead mother’s ballots!
Now I’m glad the IRS got rid of that biometric scan to pay your taxes. That is too much.
