A bill that would require those registering to vote to supply proof of citizenship and photo identification is now on its way to the House floor, but not without controversy.
Sponsored by Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Delano, HF1443 was approved Wednesday by the House Civil Law and Elections Committee on a 6-5 party-line roll call vote.
Proponents said the bill goes to keeping the integrity of the voting booth, and addresses potential voter fraud. One testifier said there is widespread public expectation that registration already requires proof of citizenship and a photo ID.
Current law requires registrants to produce verification of residency.
The Rev. Randolph Staten, president of the Coalition of Black Churches, said the bill turns the clock back on the 1965 Voting Rights Act. He called the bill unconstitutional and immoral.
The companion bill, SF923, sponsored by Sen. Michele Bachmann, R-Stillwater, has been referred to the Senate Elections Committee.
Reprinted from Session Daily, the publication of the Minnesota House.
For more information
Track legislation and contact lawmakers through the Legislature's website, www.leg.state.mn.us
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A bill that would require those registering to vote to supply proof of citizenship and photo identification is now on its way to the House floor, but not without controversy.
Sponsored by Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Delano, HF1443 was approved Wednesday by the House Civil Law and Elections Committee on a 6-5 party-line roll call vote.
Proponents said the bill goes to keeping the integrity of the voting booth, and addresses potential voter fraud. One testifier said there is widespread public expectation that registration already requires proof of citizenship and a photo ID.
Current law requires registrants to produce verification of residency.
The Rev. Randolph Staten, president of the Coalition of Black Churches, said the bill turns the clock back on the 1965 Voting Rights Act. He called the bill unconstitutional and immoral.
The companion bill, SF923, sponsored by Sen. Michele Bachmann, R-Stillwater, has been referred to the Senate Elections Committee.
Reprinted from Session Daily, the publication of the Minnesota House.
For more information
Track legislation and contact lawmakers through the Legislature’s website, www.leg.state.mn.us