Group launches drive to require voter IDs
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A voting reform group says Minnesotans should be required to show a photo ID when they vote.
The Minnesota Voters Alliance is kicking off a petition drive today to change the rules for voting in St. Paul and Duluth, where muncipal charters can be changed by referendum.
They're hoping the two cities will set a precedent that would require IDs for all state elections.
Critics charge the move is designed to make it harder for minorities, the elderly and others to vote. But Voters Alliance organizer Andy Cilek argues it will actually help turnout.
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"We believe that requiring photo IDs will increase public confidence in our election process and encourage voter participation," said Cilek.
Former Minnesota Secretary of State Mary Kiffmeyer, a Republican, is a board member of the organization.
State law does not currently require voters to show a photo identification, although registrations are checked against state driver and Social Security data.
The U.S. Supreme Court approved an ID requirement in Indiana this spring.
