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| Date: | April 28, 2011 | | Contact Name: | Susan Closmore | | Contact Phone: | 651-296-5712 | | Contact Email: | susan.closmore@senate.mn | | For Immediate Release | |
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| SENATE PASSES SENATOR WARREN LIMMER’S VOTER ID BILL |
St. Paul- The Minnesota State Senate passed the Voter Identification bill Thursday by a vote of 37 to 26. S.F. 509, authored by State Senator Warren Limmer (R-Maple Grove), would make voting quicker and easier, as well as increase public confidence in the process. The bill requires voters to present a state issued photo identification card at the polling place. In addition to establishing a photo ID requirement, this bill delves into election administration and integrity, establishes optional electronic roster systems for precincts and creates a new chapter of law governing recounts. Recent polls reveal 75-80% of Minnesota citizens demand photo identification in order to vote in the state.
“The intent of this bill is modernization – to bring about quality, speed and efficiency in Minnesota’s voting process. Polls show that an overwhelming majority of Minnesotans want to show their photo ID when they go to vote. The integrity of the entire election process hinges on two issues – verification of an individual’s identity and proof that the individual is voting in the precinct where they live. The public deserves to have confidence in the integrity of our election system. I’m proud that my colleagues in the Senate stood in favor of this critical measure today,” said Senator Limmer.
Senator Limmer is the Chair of the Judiciary Committee. He encourages and appreciates constituent input, and can be reached at (651)296-2159 and by e-mail at sen.warren.limmer@senate.mn.
