Western, central and northern Minnesota under windy, dry weather conditions 

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

Opponents of a proposed constitutional amendment that would require people to show photo identification to vote want to make it an issue at Tuesday's precinct caucuses. DFL Congressman Keith Ellison said today minority groups, college students, senior citizens and disabled people could all be disenfranchised if the so-called voter ID requirement is added to the constitution.

"The biggest problem that we have is sort of easy assumption that 'oh everyone has an ID, don't they?" Ellison said.  "That's the problem because we have to sensitize the population about the needs of the 1, 2 or 3 percent of the population that doesn't have an ID but that very same person may be your mother or your grandmother."

A group of faith leaders have also scheduled a Tuesday morning news conference to speak out against the measure.

Supporters of the voter ID measure say it would ensure integrity in the election system. GOP legislative leaders say they're confident the Legislature will vote to put the constitutional on the 2012 ballot.

 last week on the plan but didn't vote on it.

Politics and Government News

Capitol View®

Tom Scheck

Author

Groups start lining up to speak out against amendment.

Groups start push to stop Voter ID

Go Deeper.

Like this?

News you can use in your inbox