United StatesMain article:
Poll tax (United States)
A
poll tax (in the sense of
capitation) plays a significant role in the history of
taxation in the United States and the adoption of
income tax as a significant source of government funding. The second meaning of
poll tax, namely a tax to be paid as a prerequisite to voting, is more widely known in the United States today. The term was widely used in the South at the turn of the 20th century in combination with other measures as a means of
disfranchisement to bar poor people, especially blacks, from voter registration and voting.
Recent debate has arisen about whether requiring citizens to purchase a state identification card acts as a poll tax and bars poor voters from voting.[SUP]
[3][/SUP] To reduce cost, some state offer free identification cards for those who can demonstrate the need. However, significant additional costs can be incurred by individuals to acquire a "free" ID, as they need to provide other proof of identity. In addition to travel costs or potential lost wages, a certified copy of a birth certificate costs from $10 to $45 depending on the state, a passport costs $85, and certified naturalization papers cost $19.95. About 12 percent of voting-age Americans lack a driver's license and would need such state identification cards.[SUP]
[4][/SUP]
[h=3]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tax_per_head[/h]