Voter ID now cheaper, Minn. GOP supporters say

Supporters of a bill that would require voters to show photo identification at the polls say that a new financial analysis shows the mandate is much more affordable than previous estimates.

A new fiscal note says the implementation would cost nearly $9 million. An earlier estimate, which included more equipment and education requirements, was $37 million.

Sen. Warren Limmer, R-Maple Grove, the chief author of the Senate voter ID bill, said the original price tag was causing heartburn for many fiscal conservatives. Limmer said the cost is now manageable.

"I'm very, very excited about the prospect of getting it off the Senate and House floor," Limmer said. "It's keeping the main components of having proper identification for voters, and then sending it to the governor."

Common Cause Minnesota said the new fiscal note fails to account for court-required costs, such as providing free IDs and public education.

The group also predicts the state would face a long and expensive legal battle if the ID mandate becomes law.