Senate committee approves voter ID bill

A bill that would require a photo ID to vote was approved by the Minnesota Senate Transportation Committee Thursday.

The committee passed the bill 8-4 and the House Government Finance Committee is scheduled to hear the companion bill later in the day.

If the bill were enacted, voter-vouching for same-day registration would also be eliminated and some political buttons would be allowed inside polling places.

Many organizations, including American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota and Common Cause Minnesota, have voiced concern that the bill will hinder voting for those who don’t have a valid license, like elderly, poor, disabled and young citizens.

Others argue the bill would improve the voting system and resolve past issues with voter vouching.