Senate Passes Photo ID Bill, Voters to Get Final Say

The Minnesota Senate on Friday paved the way for photo IDs to become a requirement at the polls on Election Day by passing a proposed constitutional amendment.

The question will now go on November's ballot to be decided by Minnesota voters. The Senate passed the bill 36-30, with Republican Sen. Jeremy Miller of Winona joining DFLers—including Ron Latz of District 44—in voting no.

The House passed its version of the bill after a Tuesday that spilled into Wednesday morning. Both of Senate District 44's House members—DFL Reps. Ryan Winkler and Steve Simon—voted against the proposal.

Because the issue is being handled as a proposed constitutional amendment, Gov. Mark Dayton would not get a chance to approve or veto the bill.

Republican supporters have argued that the bill would add integrity to Minnesota's voting system, while Democrats have said it is unnecessary and could disenfranchise some voters.

The bill passed by the Senate is slightly different than its House counterpart, the Star Tribune reports. It gives future legislators more wiggle room in using new technology at the polls—a cause that has been championed by Simon, who earlier this session proposed an electronic poll book option as an alternative to voter photo ID.