Proposed rules for Iowa’s new voter identification law will add unnecessary complications that could make it harder for people to vote, according to several voting advocacy groups. The American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa, the League of Women Voters of Iowa and six other groups offered a joint statement on the proposed administrative rules as part of a public comment period. They believe the rules could hurt people of color, low-income individuals, the elderly and the disabled. “We know that when it’s harder and more complicated for people to vote, that essentially disenfranchises them,” said Daniel Zeno, policy council for ACLU of Iowa.
… Among the issues they highlighted about the rules are what they see as negative impacts to the treatment of Election Day registrants, the use of voter registration lists and a signature verification provision.
… The new law will require voters to show accepted forms of identification at the polls beginning in 2019. In 2018, voters will be asked for ID but can sign an oath verifying their identity if they don’t have identification. They will still be allowed to cast a regular ballot with the soft roll-out.
Full Article: Groups express concern about rules for Iowa’s voter ID law | The Herald.