New Costco policy highlights double standard on ID’s

Costco, the popular warehouse retailer with multiple locations across Long Island, is making a significant change to its membership policy. As of the new update, customers will be required to scan the bar code or QR code associated with their membership cards at store entrances. Additionally, anyone entering a store must be accompanied by a valid member. For those whose membership cards lack a photo, a valid photo ID will also be required.

While this policy aims to enhance security and prevent misuse of Costco memberships, it also underscores a glaring double standard in our societal debate about identification requirements. It is curious that the same individuals and media who criticize the necessity of showing an ID for voting, claiming it disenfranchises the poor and minorities, seem to accept — if not applaud — the stringent ID checks for entering a Costco.

Requiring voter ID at polling stations can significantly reduce the potential for election fraud by ensuring that every voter is properly identified and eligible to vote. By implementing stringent ID requirements, election authorities can verify that the person casting a ballot is indeed a registered voter, and not someone attempting to vote a number of times or impersonate another voter. This process helps to maintain the integrity of the electoral system, and ensures that each vote cast is legitimate, thus minimizing opportunities for fraudulent activities.

Moreover, voter ID laws can reinforce public confidence in the electoral process. When citizens know that measures are in place to prevent cheating and maintain accurate voter rolls, they are more likely to trust the outcome of elections and participate in the democratic process. By keeping elections transparent and free from fraud, ID requirements contribute to a fairer, more reliable voting system, which upholds the principles of democracy and ensures that the voice of every legal voter is heard and counted.

The argument against voter ID laws often hinges on the notion that requiring identification can marginalize those who face challenges in obtaining it. Yet these same critics accept and even support Costco’s decision to enforce stringent ID verification for its customers.

This discrepancy raises important questions about consistency and fairness. If we are willing to accept rigorous ID requirements for accessing membership-based services, such as shopping at Costco, should we not also consider the importance of ensuring that every citizen can exercise their fundamental right to vote without having that vote canceled out by the unvetted and the noncitizen, as well as extreme ballot harvesting and ballot dumping?

It is crucial for our public discourse to address these inconsistencies and work toward solutions that do not undermine the rights of lawful individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status. As we navigate these complex issues, let us strive for fairness and equality in all aspects of our public policies. Let the honest voices of our legal citizenry be heard and counted.

Ari Brown represents the 20th Assembly District.