Photo ID Amendment Passes Senate, Will Head to Ballot

This November, Minnesota voters will decide whether photo IDs should be required the next time they go to the polls.

The Senate, by a 35-29 vote, passed a bill on Wednesday afternoon that will send the question to the ballot as a proposed constitutional amendment. According to a StarTribune.com article, the proposed constitutional amendment "would require voters to show a photo ID, create a new system of 'provisional' balloting and end election day 'vouching' for voters without proof of residence.

The House passed the same bill early Wednesday. Because it is a proposed constitutional amendment, Gov. Mark Dayton will not get a chance to approve—or veto—the bill.

Senator Warren Limmer (R-District 32), a bill author, voted for the bill. He said the amendment was aimed at modernizing a 19th-century system of registration, according to Reuters.com article.

The issue has divided the Legislature on party lines, with Republican supporters saying it would add integrity to Minnesota's election system, while Democratic opponents say the measure is unnecessary and could disenfranchise some voters.

Rep. Joyce Peppin (R-District 32A), a co-author on the bill, recently told constituents in an , "I have been quoted as saying that the photo ID bill is a 'no-brainer,' and firmly believe if given the opportunity to vote in November, voters will pass this common-sense constitutional amendment."

"The amendment preserves the ability of all eligible Minnesotans, including military members, college students, and the elderly, to continue voting with ease. It also keeps in place same day voter registration and absentee voting," House Speaker Kurt Zellers (R-District 32B) said in a . "Minnesotans deserve to know their vote counts. Photo ID is a simple, common sense measure that protects the integrity of our elections and instills greater confidence in the process."

Editor's note: What do you think of the proposed photo ID amendment? Share your thoughts in comments and take our poll below.