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This but also that in some US states you don't need a valid ID to vote
Needing an ID is fine in theory, but in practice many older folks who do not drive do not have one. In order to get one you need a certified birth certificate. In order to get one of those you usually need to deal with a lot of red tape, especially if you were born at home in a rural area.
People often forget how rural the US is. Sometimes it's hard to document exactly who you are. Especially if you were born poor and black in the South.
Your signature is your ID.
When you register to vote, your signature is placed on file.
When you go to vote, you sign in and your signature is compared to the registration.
If it matches, you can vote. If it doesn't match, you can prove who you are or cast a provisional ballot pending identification.
The system seems to work - voting fraud doesn't seem to be a huge issue in the US.
It's just that it's so counterintuitive to me, making sure that everyone voted only once and only in their own name is essential. But somehow you managed to do it without requiring a formal ID document.
I'd think the signature would be way harder to fake than an ID. Nobody signs my name like I do, but I bet there are plenty of bad ID photos that kinda/sorta look like me.