Amendment Waters Down Newman’s Voter ID Bill

Although lacking eligibility verification, as introduced, Senator Newman‘s new voter ID bill was a step forward for improved integrity in Minnesota’s porous election system. Unfortunately, an author’s amendment adopted in the Senate Elections Committee takes it at least half a step back.

As amended, the bill eliminates vouching, but now replaces it with something potentially even less secure.

Vouching, at least, requires the assent of a second person to carry out. Someone intent on committing voter fraud by exploiting that loophole is obliged to find a co-conspirator to corroborate his story.

SF3571, in it’s current engrossment allows a voter to simply sign his own affidavit swearing he tried but was unable to obtain ID, in order to have his provisional ballot counted.

This is self-certification and nullifies the requirement to present photo ID. Granted, voters have to execute a second step to get their ballot counted if they lack ID, but it’s as simple as an additional signature and no corroboration is required.

Take Action:

Contact the authors of SF3571 and (politely) ask them to close the self-certification loophole and produce a bill that truly strengthens the integrity of Minnesota’s election system.

Be sure to Bookmark DanMcGrath.net and subscribe to be informed when new items are posted!