Kiffmeyer says photo ID requirement could be placed on the ballot

GOP Rep. Mary Kiffmeyer of Big Lake says Republican lawmakers may put a photo ID requirement to the voters if it's vetoed by Gov. Dayton.

Committees in both the House and Senate have approved bills this week that would require people to present photo identification to vote. It appears to have enough support to reach Gov. Dayton's desk.

Dayton has expressed concern about the bill but hasn't issued a veto threat. He told reporters today that any election bill has to include his campaign finance proposal.

Kiffmeyer told MPR News this week that lawmakers would look to put the issue to the voters if Dayton decides to veto the bill.

"We're going to keep working with Gov. Dayton and continue to do that but if we have to at the end, that is probably a back-up option because this is something that the voters do want," Kiffmeyer said. "So if we need to, we'll take it to the voters."

Supporters of the photo id requirement say polling on the issue shows that it has heavy support with the public.

Critics, like DFL Rep. Ryan Winkler of Golden Valley, say the support would dwindle once they know the provisions could turn people away from the polls. He says seniors, the disabled and women staying at battered women shelters would all have issues with the photo id requirement.

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