Iowa would become one of 34 states that have enacted laws requesting or requiring some form of identification on Election Day under a bill approved by the Iowa House Thursday. House File 516 was approved on a party-line vote after nearly 12 hours of debate that spanned two days. It now advances to the Senate where a Republican majority also is expected to advance the legislation. Secretary of State Paul Pate, who submitted the bill, immediately praised its passage. … Democrats took to the floor Wednesday and Thursday in an effort to convince Republicans the legislation is unnecessary, expensive and would have a disproportionate and negative effect on minorities, the elderly, the disabled and others.
If approved, the bill would make numerous changes to the state’s election laws that Republicans say are needed to ensure the integrity of the process and prevent fraud. Among them is a provision that would require every voter to present government-issued identification at the poll on Election Day.
… American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa Legal Director Rita Bettis said in a statement the bill would suppress votes.
“This is a false and expensive bill of goods that will undermine elections in Iowa,” she said. “But it is by no means over. The Iowa Senate is the place for thoughtful and careful deliberation. We call on the Senate to work with us to amend this bill to eliminate voter suppression.”
Full Article: Iowa House approves voter ID bill following 12 hours of debate.