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Not all European states provide free IDs, and some US states which require IDs provide them for free.

Can you give me examples of European countries where there are no forms of ID that are free and accepted at the polls?

In Germany the ID card costs 37 EUR and is valid for 10 years, reduced to 22.80 EUR and 6 years of validity if you're under 24. A passport is even more expensive. No other forms of identification are accepted, but it's also not really necessary since you're required to get an ID card anyways.

> you're required to get an ID card anyways

The US doesn't require citizens to have ID to exist. That's part of "freedom" in America (I mean this genuinely).

So it is an additional step if you want to vote. Cynical state governments have tried to shape who can vote for them by making IDs mandatory and strategically closing ID offices in certain areas, reducing office hours (among other barriers). It's not a hypothetical situation.

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