Backers of the “photo ID” voter legislation got a bit of a scare last week. The bill, which would require voters to show photo identification when they vote, was pronounced nearly dead by a group that had championed it.
“Internal Republican politics may ultimately kill 21st Century Voter ID,” screamed an e-mail alert from Minnesota Majority. The photo ID proposals originally were projected to cost $60 million because of weighty mandates that would require precincts to have electronic verification systems, making the bills a hard sell.
Supporters say photo ID is needed to prevent fraud at the polls. Opponents argue that it would disenfranchise some voters. Bill sponsor Sen. Warren Limmer, R-Maple Grove, said the proposal still is on track, largely because of changes that strip the cost to under $5 million — though the new analysis has not been released.
The computerized verification systems would be optional. Rep. Mary Kiffmeyer, R-Big Lake, plans to make similar changes in the House.
Full Article: http://www.startribune.com/politics/statelocal/118710889.html