B.C. civil rights group says voter ID rules will disenfranchise thousands

"Federal election rules requiring identification to vote will rob thousands of Canadians of their right to cast a ballot in Tuesday's federal election and contribute to poor voter turnout, says the B.C. Civil Liberties Association.

Parliament changed the Canada Elections Act in the spring of 2007 to require voters to have proof of identity and a residential address.

The residential address rule was amended last fall over concerns that the new rules could disenfranchise some rural residents, aboriginals on reserves and students who don't have a proper street address.

But Rob Holmes, president of the B.C. Civil Liberties Association, said the updated rules will still prevent people from voting.

"If you look at the homeless or people who are transients, how are they going to establish their right to vote when they show up?" said Holmes.

Holmes said the rules could also affect scores of people who don't have current ID with a new address, including students, seniors, those who don't drive and the disabled - which could drag already dismal voter turnout even lower..."