Maine on Friday moved one step closer to passing a law requiring voters to present photo identification at the polls. A legislative panel voted 6-6 along party lines to recommend LD 199 to the Legislature. Rep. Micheal Willette, R-Presque Isle, was absent, but he has until Tuesday to vote. Willette is expected to vote with his party, meaning the measure will advance to the Legislature with a divided report. Twenty-seven other states have photo identification laws. Maine and at least a half-dozen other states are considering legislation that would add the photo requirement. Supporters say asking voters to show a photo ID at the polls is a way to prevent fraud. Critics, mostly Democrats and civil rights groups, say the requirement impedes voting for the elderly, handicapped, homeless and those who don’t drive. Democrats attempted to make those arguments during a public hearing held earlier this week. On Friday, with the outcome a foregone conclusion, opponents said voter participation would suffer.
http://www.sunjournal.com/state/story/995664