House committee to review photo ID for voting bill

A proposal to require that all Minnesotans have a photo ID before voting has been making progress at the Capitol.

The House Transportation Committee holds a hearing Monday on the bill sponsored by Republican Rep. Mary Kiffmeyer. It would require voters to present photo identification at polls, which backers say is necessary to streamline voting and boost confidence in elections.

The House bill has already passed two committees, and a Senate counterpart has also been passed by three committees. Legislative leaders say they expect the full House and Senate will send the proposal to Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton, who has expressed concerns. Critics say it amounts to a poll tax.

Kiffmeyer has suggested if Dayton vetoes the bill she might try to send it to a statewide vote in 2012.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)