House Bill 3 is strongly opposed by a number of Southeast leaders, including lawmakers and Native officials. It passed out of the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday. As of today, it was in the Rules Committee, waiting to be scheduled for the House floor. At a recent hearing, Alaska Native Brotherhood Grand Camp President Bill Martin said a photo-ID requirement could keep people from casting ballots.
“There are many people who are my age group who actually do not have ID cards. The ID card is not required when we go for health care at SEAHC or to vote in our tribal elections, because we have our own cards with no picture on them,” he says.
Tlingit-Haida Central Council, the House Bush caucus and some other groups also oppose the legislation.
Alaska Native Sisterhood Camp 70 President Jan Trigg went a step further. She said the measure discriminates against rural Alaskans and others.
“It creates an impediment to the most democratic practice as citizens. The homeless, the home-bound, returning veterans, the elderly, people of color and college students would be vulnerable to this new law,” she says.
Full Article: Voter-ID bill still drawing opposition | KTOO.