Nebraska: Proposed Nebraska Voter ID Bill Meets Opposition | WOWT.com

It’s one of the most important rights we have in a democracy, the right to vote. To help protect that right, a Nebraska state senator wants to set up what he believes is a simple process, but opponents of a voter ID bill are already up in arms.

The bill’s language is simple. Anyone who wants to vote must provide a state or government issued ID that shows a current address. A group of community members, elected officials and representative from area organizations met Wednesday morning in Omaha. They said not only is the idea unnecessary, it would create a burden for anyone without an ID or who would need to update their old ID at a cost of $26.50.

“It unfairly targets citizens with low income, seniors, youth and citizens with disabilities,” said Linda Duckworth with the League of Women Voters of Nebraska. “It points us in a direction that Nebraskans should be ashamed to take.”

Nebraska: Board opposes voter ID proposal | omaha.com

The Douglas County Board has unanimously voted to oppose a state lawmaker’s attempt to require stringent photo identification to vote in Nebraska elections. If passed, Legislative Bill 239 would require people to have valid state-issued photo identification to vote. At this week’s meeting, County Board member Mike Boyle cited the unknown costs of the bill, plus the adverse effect it would have on elderly voters and particularly Hispanics if it became law.

A valid state ID, under the proposed legislation, is one that is unexpired and provides a current address. State Sen. Charlie Janssen of Fremont introduced the bill. Adam Morfeld, executive director of Nebraskans for Civic Reform, said the County Board’s bipartisan opposition should signal that Janssen’s bill is a costly attempt to solve a problem that does not exist.

Nebraska: Lawmakers Might Spar Again Over Voter ID Bills – KPTM FOX 42

Nebraska lawmakers might spar again over Voter ID bills during this coming legislative session, say some political players and experts. “It’s never a good thing. The more roadblocks you put up to voting the less participation you have,” said UNO Political Science Professor Paul Landow.

Fourteen states passed voter ID laws this year, some of them go into effect in 2012. Nebraska and Iowa shot down bills requiring photo IDs at the polls. The fight is divided along party lines. Republicans believe the system needs safeguards to prevent fraud. Democrats think these measures are aimed at suppressing young people and minorities from voting.