Those seeking examples of how dysfunctional our state Legislature can be should take a look at the fate of the voter ID bill.

Passage of a bill that would require photo identification to vote was a top priority of Republican lawmakers in both houses during the recently adjourned session. Likewise, Democratic lawmakers were intent on a bill that would allow more time for early voting before Election Day.

Democrats objected to the photo-ID requirement because they contended that it was designed to discourage minority, poor and elderly residents from voting. Those residents statistically are more likely to vote Democratic.

Republicans, however, opposed a significant expansion of early voting, in part because early voters tend the vote Democratic.

Despite these differences, it appeared that a compromise could be found. But, after months of wrangling, the opposing sides could not come to terms. ...

We think the voter ID requirement largely is a solution in search of a problem. Proponents of the bill have failed to demonstrate that voter fraud is a problem. According to officials with the state Election Commission, there have been no prosecutions in the state for voter impersonation involving bogus identification.

Nonetheless, we also fail to see how requiring a photo ID is a serious impediment for prospective voters. Most South Carolinians already have some form of voter ID — a driver‘s license, passport or state ID card. Photo IDs are available even for those who don’t drive.

As for early voting, we think it’s a good idea. And the state should permit residents to vote early at a number of locations, not just one per county. ...

Ultimately, we think lawmakers ought to try to make voting easier, not more difficult. The vast majority of those who take the time to go to the polls to cast a ballot are honest, well-intentioned people who are who they say they are and are simply performing their democratic obligation to vote.

Surely, when state lawmakers return to Columbia, they can pass a bill that acknowledges that.

The (Rock Hill) Herald