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New voter identification bill coming to Iowa Senate
Associated Press
Jan. 24, 2013 4:30 pm
Senate Republicans will introduce legislation requiring that Iowans present photo identification in order to vote.
Senate Minority Leader Bill Dix, of Shell Rock, said Thursday that the law would protect the integrity of the voting system.
Existing Iowa law doesn't require voters to show photo identification. Although Democrats say Iowa has little history of voter fraud, Republicans argue the risk remains and identification should be required.
The bill is modeled after similar legislation introduced by Secretary of State Matt Schultz.
A Senate aide says filing the Senate bill demonstrates Republican support for the idea.
Democrats
have opposed Schultz's proposal. They argue Republicans are motivated by a desire to discourage voting by groups who typically favor Democrats, such as immigrants, low-income people and the elderly.
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