Divided House OKs Tougher Voter ID Requirements

LANSING (WWJ/AP) - A divided GOP-led House voted late Wednesday to change the procedure for voters who do not show photo identification at their polling place.

Those without an ID currently must sign a brief affidavit before voting, and their vote is counted. More than 18,000 people did that in the November election.

Under the legislation approved 57-50 and sent to the Republican-controlled Senate for possible consideration next week — the last of the two-year term — people could cast a provisional ballot but would have to visit their local clerk's office no later than 10 days after the election to ensure their ballot is counted.

They would have to present a photo ID or, as the alternative, a document establishing residency and an affidavit saying they cannot get a photo ID because they are poor or object to being photographed for religious reasons.

Democrats argued the proposal is unconstitutional and would disenfranchise minorities and low-income residents.

"This bill is designed to suppress the votes of those for whom voting is already a struggle," said Rep. Fred Durhal III of Detroit.

Republicans said the bill is based on an Indiana law that was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court and would provide free IDs and birth certificates so the poor would not be burdened.

"Every vote is diluted if fraudulent votes are cast, so the purpose of the legislation is to protect voting integrity," said Rep. Gary Glenn of Midland.

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