Voter ID: Close elections drive amendment battle in Minnesota

pioneer press ^ | 9-22-12 | doug belden

[TurboZamboni]

By 2011, voter ID was "the hottest topic of legislation in the field of elections," according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

In Minnesota, voters in November will be deciding whether to move from having no voter ID requirement to adopting one of the strictest in the nation.

In 2001, only 14 states even asked for ID -- and it was a request, not a requirement.

Since 2001, nearly 1,000 voter ID bills have been introduced in a total of 46 states. Thirty-three states have passed voter ID laws, and at least 30 will be in place for November's election.

Proponents argue that photo ID is a relatively painless way to shore up election integrity. Opponents say it's unnecessary, costly and aimed at disenfranchising the elderly, college students, the disabled and others who tend to support Democrats.

The worst fears of activists on both sides appear to be overblown, according to an April 2012 report from the conference of state legislatures.

[TurboZamboni]

the usual leftists are on the paper's website claiming there is no voter fraud. good little Holderbots.

[cripplecreek]

I’m just glad that Michigan fought this battle and won before it ever became a more or less nationwide fight. Liberals still grumble about it some but they’ve been completely defeated on it and they know it.

Now they’re squealing over the citizenship check box on the ballot application.

[TurboZamboni]

A group of over 80 deep-pocketed special interests will spend millions this election cycle trying to defeat the Minnesota Voter ID Amendment. Since the facts are not on their side, they have had to resort to a campaign of lies designed to frighten and confuse voters into voting no, or not voting at all (remember that a “non-vote” is considered a “no” vote for Minnesota constitutional amendments).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoJ3oOd4Q3g&feature=youtu.be

[TheLawyerFormerlyKnownAsAl]

Thirty-three states have passed voter ID laws, and at least 30 will be in place for November's election

I though we only have 57 states.