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Photo ID compromise would delay effects until 2010
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| Contributor | RBH |
| Last Edited | RBH May 15, 2008 03:16am |
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| Category | News |
| News Date | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 09:00:00 AM UTC0:0 |
| Description | As debate winds down over a photo identification requirement for voters, the Republican handler of the bill hopes to allay fears the requirement would take effect this year.
Republican lawmakers want the photo ID requirement because they say government-issued ID - such as a driver’s license - would eliminate any potential questions of voter fraud. Democrats argue voter impersonation fraud has not occurred, nullifying the need for a constitutional amendment. They also contend the requirement is meant to stifle voting by students, the elderly and the disabled.
Delaying implementation of the photo ID rule until after 2008 could help lawmakers avoid an acrimonious showdown.
Language in a House resolution would call for a vote on a photo ID amendment to the Missouri Constitution in November or at any special election approved by the governor. Another statutory bill in the works could be amended to include language implementing the photo ID rule.
If the proposed ballot item and the statutory bill are passed before the session ends Friday, a photo ID requirement could go into effect upon voter approval. If Gov. Matt Blunt calls a special election for Aug. 5, the requirement could take effect before the November election.
Sen. Delbert Scott said yesterday he’s offering new versions of the amendment and the statutory legislation that show "nothing can be started up before 2010."
"One thing there’s been a lot of fear-mongering on is that the vote on this resolution would be moved to August and implemented for the 2008 election," Scott, R-Lowry City, said. |
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