A number of bills introduced by lawmakers this session could bring changes to the way North Dakotans conduct elections, vote and report campaign finances. Thirty-one pieces of legislation have been introduced in both chambers in either bill or resolution form. The bills tackle issues including absentee ballots, voting locations, initiated ballot measures and voter identification. Rep. Randy Boehning, R-Fargo, called voting the public’s most important civic duty. “We need integrity in voting,” Boehning said. That’s why, he said, he’s the primary sponsor of House Bill 1332. The bill deals with voter affidavits and outlining a requirement for having a state-issued identification to vote.
Boehning’s stance is that people are required to have an identification to drive, to buy tobacco products and alcohol. “To do the most important civic duty, to vote, I’d like to know who you are,” Boehning said.
The fiscal note on HB1332 estimates a cost of nearly $250,000 to the Department of Transportation for providing non-photo identification to those who need one to vote per biennium. It would be free since c harging for identification would be considered a poll tax.
“This bill shouldn’t deter anyone from voting,” Boehning said.
Full Article: Lawmakers look at election changes.