Opponents of requiring photo identification to vote in Nebraska warn that court action is possible if lawmakers pass a bill this year that erodes or threatens voting rights. Two state senators introduced voter ID-related bills last week: Sen. Tyson Larson of O’Neill and Sen. Paul Schumacher of Columbus. Larson’s bill — cosigned by Sens. Lydia Brasch of Bancroft, Laura Ebke of Crete, Bill Kintner of Papillion, and Ken Schilz of Ogallala — would require voters to show a driver’s license or state ID card before voting at a polling place. Voters wouldn’t need an ID to request a mail-in ballot except when registering for the first time. “When we have to show an ID to write a check or buy alcohol (but not to vote), I find that to be wrong,” Larson said.
The bill (LB111) is essentially identical to one introduced in 2013 by then-Sen. Charlie Janssen of Fremont, which stalled in the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee. Leadership of that committee has since changed hands.
Janssen’s bill was criticized by people who said it would have infringed on the voting rights of students, low-income people, immigrants and the elderly.
Similar voices, including the ACLU of Nebraska, warned of “swift opposition” and “litigation if necessary” in a news release from the advocacy group Nebraskans for Civic Reform in response to the new bills.
Full Article: Group threatens litigation if lawmakers pass voter ID bill.