Politics & Government

Photo ID Amendment Passes Senate, Will Head to Ballot

Voters will weigh in on the constitutional amendment in November.

This November, Minnesota voters will decide whether photo IDs should be required the next time they go to the polls.

The Senate, by a 35-29 vote, passed a bill on Wednesday afternoon that will send the question to the ballot as a proposed constitutional amendment. The House passed the same bill early Wednesday. Because it is a proposed constitutional amendment, Gov. Mark Dayton will not get a chance to approve—or veto—the bill.

Sen. Ron Latz (DFL-District 44) voted against the measure.

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The issue has divided the Legislature on party lines, with Republican supporters saying it would add integrity to Minnesota's election system, while Democratic opponents say the measure is unnecessary and could disenfranchise some voters.

Senate District 44 DFLers Rep. Steve Simon and Rep. Ryan Winkler, who voted against the bill in the House, said they think the amendment would , and both predict legal challenges.

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