In 2013, over 13 million Americans had their identity stolen and, according to the Federal Trade Commission, identity theft steadily climbs and tops their list of consumer complaints each year. With this level of identity theft, why wouldn’t we be concerned about voter fraud?

Once our identity is stolen, the information is used to access money, benefits, medical or government services. It’s also being used in imposter scams and to hide one’s own identity when stopped by police.

Why do we think that those who engage in identity theft will use it for everything except voter fraud? I’m thinking some of us have more faith in criminals than is warranted.

When I asked my state representative, Ryan Fecteau, D-Biddeford, where he stood on this issue, he said he doesn’t believe there is any voter fraud that would warrant a voter ID law. He’s touting the stale line of disenfranchising the elderly and poor.

He offered links to a couple of documents that he said led him to this conclusion. I read them and am amazed at the commentary in these old articles that was presented as facts on which to base his conclusion.

One article stated that voting is a constitutional right. Yes, but only for American citizens. We have an illegal immigration problem, right?

Can Mr. Fecteau think for himself? Over 70 percent of Americans think that showing a legitimate ID before voting is a good idea. So when will our elected officials start listening to the people who elected them?

Debi Davis

Biddeford

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