I don't see a problem with having people provide ID to vote. That's how you make sure they are who they say they are.
I don't have the data. But im willing to bet that providing ID to vote is the norm around the world. I know for fact it is in EU at least.
I doubt it's legally required to have an ID here. But you are right in that it's quite simple. A passport is roughly $45, you book a time to show up at the nearest police station to re-new it. And then you get a letter saying you can come pick it up 2-3 weeks later.