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Stillwater GOP Precinct To Test-Drive Photo ID Scanner

STILLWATER, Minn. (AP) — Republicans who attend a party caucus gathering at one Stillwater precinct will get to try registering with a photo ID scanner.

The GOP activists who organized the Rutherford Elementary School caucus on Tuesday purchased the device themselves. The scanners cost $50 a piece.

The technology is similar to what would be Minnesota law if Republican legislators are successful in pushing a constitutional amendment to require a photo ID to vote in Minnesota.

"As opposed to having 400 people stand in line for an hour to an hour and a half for caucus, this is much more efficient," said organizer Joe Westrup.

State GOP spokeswoman Heather Dodgers-Rubash says the handheld device scans drivers' licenses and other photo IDs and immediately registers each caucus attendee's name and address. She says the activists wanted to show the photo ID requirement is not burdensome as some critics charge.

Dodgers-Rubash says Stillwater caucus attendees don't need a photo ID to caucus, and can still participate the old-fashioned way by filling out a form.

(TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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