Like many other Canadians, I have been entertained by the reality television series: Election 2008. The issue of identity and ability to vote came to mind as it is a widely held belief that this is the basis of Freedom and Democracy. Advance voter registration is required in all states except Connecticut, Idaho, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, Wisconsin and Wyoming. North Dakota does not even have advanced voter registration.

In Canada, everyone can register at the polls. Voter registration is a convenience so that you can vote faster. Very Canadian, but it does not stop there. You don’t even need identification in Canada! Yep, you can choose Option 3 where you “Swear an oath and be vouched for by an elector who is on the list of electors in the same polling division and who has an acceptable piece or pieces of identification (e.g. a neighbour, your roommate).” Welcome to Canada!