Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Tim Pugmire
ST. PAUL, Minn.

Religious leaders oppose voter ID

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Clergy members from several religious faiths have joined forces to try to defeat Minnesota's voter ID constitutional amendment.

About 50 Twin Cities religious leaders packed a State Capitol news conference to announce the "Faith In Democracy Campaign" on Thursday.

Organizers claim the proposed requirement for voters to show official government photo identification when voting is a threat to democracy and would prevent thousands of eligible Minnesotans from voting.

"People who are a part of my congregation, they will not be able to vote, and I must speak out in their defense and give a voice to them," said Rabbi Marcia Zimmerman, of Temple Israel in Minneapolis.

Reverend Jerry McAfee of New Salem Missionary Baptist Church in Minneapolis and the Minnesota State Baptist Convention described the amendment as a step backward for people of color.

"It is my opinion that voter suppression and voter restriction is shrouded in racism, with connection to poverty as well as those in senior communities. It is sad. It is striking, and it blows my mind that this is an issue that is basically not a problem that's looking for a problem," he said.

Voter ID supporters insist that the creation of a new provisional balloting system as part of the amendment will prevent voter disenfranchisement.