The measure, which passed 228-196 in the House, would require people to show a photo ID before voting in 2008. Beginning in 2010, the ID would have to contain proof of citizenship.

In other words, those who expect to vote would have to produce a driver's license, a passport or some other form of photo ID issued by the state that indicates the owner is an American citizen. Unfortunately, many Americans, especially the poor, minorities, the elderly or the disabled, don't have an ID of that kind.

The driver's license, of course, is the ID of choice for most Americans. But some with driver's licenses are not American citizens, and many who are citizens don't drive and don't have a license. States can provide photo IDs, but many, including elderly citizens whose driver's licenses have expired, won't take the trouble to get a new ID.

And that may be the point behind this GOP-promoted bill. It will most heavily affect the constituencies likely to vote Democratic.

As for voter fraud, the mandatory photo ID addresses an illusory problem. We were not aware of a flood of noncitizens stuffing the ballot boxes.

In all likelihood, this bill -- if it makes its way through the Senate -- will be struck down by the courts as unconstitutional. Earlier this month, judges in Georgia and Missouri struck down voter ID laws in those states.

South Carolina law requires those registering to vote to declare that they are U.S. citizens and to provide a Social Security number. At the polls, South Carolina voters are required to provide a voter registration card, driver's license or another photo ID issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Those rules should be sufficient to guard against a horde of illegal voters.

Again, though, that's not the primary concern of those who support this bill. This is just more symbolic muscle flexing on the immigration issue and a veiled attempt to dilute traditionally Democratic voting strength.

It's also mean-spirited and un-American in nature. We should be encouraging all Americans to vote, not putting new obstacles in their way.

IN SUMMARY
Voter ID bill passed by House would obstruct poor, minority and elderly from voting.