Michigan Senate Approves Voter Photo ID Proposals

LANSING (AP) - The Republican-led Michigan Senate has approved a bill that would require a voter to present a photo ID when applying for an absentee ballot in person.

The measure approved 26-12 along party lines Tuesday is part of a broader election and campaign finance package.

Another bill would require a photo ID or a birth certificate when registering to vote.

The legislation advances to the Republican-led House.

Republicans supporting the proposals say the photo identification requirements would protect against voter fraud.

Democrats in opposition say the photo ID requirement would create a barrier to voting for some residents, such as those who don't have driver's licenses.

Absentee voters could sign affidavits saying they don't have the ID and still pick up ballots. But their ballots would be prepared as "challenged ballots."

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