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| Date: | June 2, 2011 | | Contact Name: | Chris Van Guilder | | Contact Phone: | 651-296-1388 | | Contact Email: | christopher.vanguilder@senate.mn | | For Immediate Release | |
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| SENATOR SCOTT NEWMAN TO ADVANCE VOTER ID CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT |
St. Paul – State Senator Scott Newman (R-Hutchinson) introduced legislation that would put onto the ballot a question of amending the constitution to require Voter ID in elections.
This announcement comes shortly after Gov. Dayton vetoed Senate File 509, a bill that would bring the election process into the 21st century with Voter ID.
"I am disappointed that Governor Dayton chose to be an obstacle to reforms that would bring our election process into the 21st century. Through his recent veto of our Voter ID legislation, Governor Dayton rejected improved quality, speed and efficiency in Minnesota's voting process despite public demand for such reforms. Fortunately, through this constitutional amendment, the public will have an opportunity to secure the integrity of their vote that Governor Dayton has denied them," said Senator Newman.
A recent poll found that nearly 80% of Minnesota voters want to show their photo ID when they go vote. Senator Warren Limmer (R-Maple Grove) was the Chief Author of Senate File 509.
Senator Newman plans to advance the bill during the 2012 regular session, which is scheduled to convene January 24, 2012. Representative Mary Kiffmeyer (R-Big Lake) is the Chief-Author of the House companion bill, File 1662.
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