The defeat of the voter ID constitutional amendment, along with the Legislature’s flip from Republican to Democratic control, is likely put that issue on indefinite hold. But it won’t end the debate over the need for some changes in state election law. DFL Secretary of State Mark Ritchie and key lawmakers are already talking about ways to alter the voting system during the 2013 legislative session. The campaign against voter ID relied heavily on a compelling television ad that featured DFL Gov. Mark Dayton and former Republican Gov. Arne Carlson.
“If you’re a Democrat, Republican or independent please vote no. This is not good for Minnesota,” Carlson said in the ad.
“Send it back to the Legislature, and make them get it right,” Dayton added.
Voters defeated the Republican-backed measure but there’s a big question about whether voter ID will come up again in the Legislature, which will now be under the control of DFLers who opposed it.
Still, at least one voter ID supporter is expecting a chance to “get it right,” just as Dayton suggested in the ad. Republican Rep. Mary Kiffmeyer of Big Lake, who was elected to the state Senate on Tuesday, said she’s not giving up on voter ID.
“I’m reaching out to Gov. Dayton and saying I’ll take you at your word governor. Let’s work together and do exactly as you said,” Kiffmeyer said.
Kiffmeyer, who was the chief author of the House voter ID bills, has already requested a meeting with Dayton to discuss the issue. Despite the amendment defeat on Tuesday, Kiffmeyer said she remains convinced the public still wants a photo identification requirement in the voting process.
Full Article: Even without photo ID, election system likely to see changes | Minnesota Public Radio News.