Iowa House Committee Takes Up Voter ID Bill
by KDLT News
February 12, 2013 5:22 PM
Speakers at a legislative hearing criticized a bill backed by Secretary of State Matt Schultz that would require voters to show photo identification at polling places.
Schultz has filed identical bills in the House and Senate, and Tuesday's House hearing was the first time this session lawmakers have taken testimony on the proposal.
Members of the Iowa League of Women Voters told lawmakers a photo ID requirement would disenfranchise voters who don't have required documents. They also say the rules could slow vote-counting.
Schultz, a Republican, has made voter ID one of his key issues. GOP lawmakers largely support him, saying identification is needed to prevent fraud. Democrats say there is little fraud and claim Republicans want to discourage voting by minorities and the elderly, who tend to favor Democrats.
