Senator Scott Newman has introduced a bill to amend Minnesota’s Constitution to require voters to present photographic identification before casting a ballot (SF1577). If enacted, the amendment will also require the state to provide photo ID to voters at no charge and ensure that all voters are subject to equal standards of eligibility verification, regardless of when they register to vote.
The bill will have its first hearing in the Senate Local Government and Elections Committee, chaired by Senator Ray Vandeveer on Wednesday, February 1st.
If the committee approves the bill, it will likely next be referred to the Judiciary and Public Safety Committee chaired by Senator Warren Limmer who sponsored the 21st Century Voter ID bill last year. That bill was vetoed by Governor Dayton, but the governor does not play any role in the process of amending the constitution. If approved by the legislature, the question will be put to the voters during the 2012 General Election this November.
Rep. Mary Kiffmeyer introduced an identical Voter ID amendment bill as chief author last year. It will likely have its first hearing in the House Civil Law Committee chaired by Representative Torrey Westrom in the coming weeks.
The Senate Local Government and Elections Committee hearing is open to the public and public testimony is welcome.
The hearing will take place in Room 112 of the State Capitol at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, February 1st.
To sign up to testify, contact committee administrator, Carl Jacobson. Testimony from unregistered attendees may also be heard as time permits.
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