Minn. Senate Committee Passes Voter ID Amendment

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A state Senate committee has passed a constitutional amendment that would ask Minnesotans to decide in November if voting in the state should require a valid photo ID.

The Local Government and Elections Committee voted 8-6 Wednesday in favor of the amendment. Republicans voted in favor and Democrats were opposed.

Supporters say requiring a photo ID would boost confidence in the state's election process and make sure voter fraud is not a problem. Critics say the requirement would make it more difficult for certain groups of people to vote including senior citizens, the homeless, the disabled and poor people.

The bill now heads to another Senate committee and must move through the House, too. Gov. Mark Dayton opposes the amendment but can't block it from the ballot.

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