DeKruif: Voter Photo ID Necessary; Senate Passes Measure

The Minnesota Senate on Friday approved a proposed constitutional requirement that would require voters to show a photo ID at their polling places.

Sen. Al DeKruif (R-District 25), a co-author of the bill, said requiring an ID at the polls will help retain integrity in Minnesota's elections. 

(Click the video to hear DeKruif's comments.)

The measure was approved 36-30 on party lines.

Advocates say photo ID will prevent voter fraud. Opponents of the measure say it will disenfranchise college students, the eldery, the disabled and lower-income voters.

The  very early Wednesday morning on a party-line 72-62 vote after more than nine hours of floor debate.

The House will need to agree with the Senate's language change or a conference committee would have to address the differences and find a compromise.

Once the matter is settled, it'll be on the ballot in November. It'll join the proposed constitutional marriage amendment, which would restrict marriage to between a man and a woman.

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