Reply #19: Indiana voters may have to show ID at polls

[dzika]

March 18, 2005

Indiana voters may have to show ID at polls

Voters might have to show government-issued photo identification before casting ballots in elections.

Such a bill is now eligible for passage in the House. Democrats have strongly opposed the bill. They say it would discourage or prevent many voters -- primarily Democrats -- from going to the polls. Republicans say it's simply intended to prevent voter fraud.

Republicans turned back several Democrat amendments to the bill. One would have allowed voters without photo IDs to sign affidavits at polling places that could later be verified. Another would've allowed counties to decide whether photo IDs are necessary.

Democratic Representative Ed Mahern has indicated that Democrats might put up a bitter fight against the bill if it's called down for a vote next week.

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