|
| Date: | June 7, 2011 | | Contact Name: | Chris Van Guilder | | Contact Phone: | 651-296-1388 | | Contact Email: | christopher.vanguilder@senate.mn | | For Immediate Release | |
|
| GOP LEGISLATORS TO ADVANCE VOTER ID CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT |
St. Paul – State Senator Scott Newman (R-Hutchinson) and Representative Mary Kiffmeyer (R-Big Lake) introduced legislation that would put on the ballot a question of amending the constitution to require Voter ID in elections.
In the face of overwhelming public support for reforms to bring the election process into the 21st century with Voter ID, Gov. Dayton recently vetoed a bill that would have required voters to provide photo identification before receiving a ballot.
Sen. Newman and Rep. Kiffmeyer have proposed a constitutional amendment to be advanced during the 2012 legislative session to allow Minnesota voters an opportunity to secure the integrity of their vote that Governor Dayton has denied them.
"Public trust and confidence in our election system are critical components to the functioning of our representative republic. Through his recent veto, Governor Dayton rejected measures to improve the integrity, validity and fairness of our elections,” said Senator Newman. “As Minnesotans, we are very proud of our nation-leading voter turnout and our ability to encourage active participation in the public discourse. We should include similar efforts to maintain and protect the integrity of the process, and now Minnesotans will be able to make that decision.”
“I am extremely disappointed that Governor Dayton vetoed Photo Identification. The legislation has overwhelming public support especially among our younger voters and women. Clearly this is what Minnesota wants,” Rep. Kiffmeyer said after Governor Dayton’s veto. “Minnesota voters want to have confidence in the process and the result including integrity with the access,” she added.
Recent polls indicate that the overwhelming majority (75% or more) of Minnesotans want a photo ID requirement to vote.
Minnesota Poll: Big show of support for voter photo ID; May 13, 2011
Eighty percent of respondents said they favor a photo ID requirement
http://www.startribune.com/politics/statelocal/121678219.html
KSTP SurveyUSA Poll; May 26, 2011
Seventy six percent of Minnesotans would vote in favor of voter ID
http://kstp.com/news/stories/s2130331.shtml?cat=1
The 2012 regular session is scheduled to convene January 24, 2012.
###
