Women Voters seek veto

The League of Women Voters of Idaho said it wants Idaho Gov. Butch Otter to veto a bill headed to his desk that would require Idahoans to provide photo identification to vote.

"Photo ID requirements are one of the most serious threats to our efforts to ensure the right of every eligible American to vote," said Bonnie Douglas, vice president of the league. "Research shows that they encourage racial and ethnic discrimination at polling places, prevent eligible voters from participating in our democracy, limit turnout, and do very little to combat genuine instances of voters impersonating someone else at the polls."

Jon Hanian, a spokesman for the governor, said Otter doesn't comment on legislation until it reaches his desk and he's ready to act on it.

"He'll address and take action on it when he has a moment to do that," Hanian said.

House Bill 496 amends and adds to existing law relating to elections and would make it so each elector must show photo identification, such as a valid driver's license or passport before receiving a ballot at the polls. Voters also can sign an affidavit attesting to their identity.

It's House Majority Leader Mike Moyle's bill. Moyle intended to make sure that voters are who they say they are, and proponents have said that requiring voters to provide identification would maintain the integrity of the voting system.

The bill passed the state House of Representatives 64-6, and passed the Senate 27-6, with two senators not voting.

"You have to have photo ID about any place you go, whether to get a drink at a bar, get on an airplane, or to go through security," said state Sen. John Goedde.

The Coeur d'Alene Republican said it's a proactive way to keep voter fraud from happening. Goedde said it doesn't deny people access to the polls.

Providing voters with an opportunity to sign an affidavit attesting to their identity ensures that "there's a back door for someone that forgets their wallet," Goedde said.

"We want to preserve the integrity of the election process," said Rep. Frank Henderson, R-Post Falls. "There's no reason to be lax on such an important privilege."

Henderson said there have been allegations of voter fraud in past elections.

Douglas, of the League of Women Voters, said many citizens do not have valid photo identification.

"The burden will be greatest for those people - including the elderly, low-income, minority, homeless, or handicapped - for whom it is most cost prohibitive and inconvenient to take off work, get transportation, stand in line, and apply for documentation," Douglas said.