Senate Passes Voter Photo ID Bill

One would have to flash a photo identification card before voting under a bill the state Senate passed today.

Sen. Russell Prescott, R-Kingston, is the prime sponsor of Senate Bill 289. Sponsors noted the bill has the support of Secretary of State William Gardner and the NH City and Town Clerks' Association.

Here's the roll call and docket for the bill.

Republicans hailed the bill as overdue action, citing the James O'Keefe during the New Hampshire Presidential Primary in January.

"Voters are rightly outraged by the reports of voter fraud during our First-in-the-Nation Primary," said Wayne MacDonald, chairman of the Republican State Committee. He criticized Gov. John Lynch, a Democrat, for vetoing a photo ID voter bill in 2011.

Groups, such as the League of Women Voters, this latest legislation, though bill sponsors say they are working to build bipartisan support. LWV, for example, maintains the bill would represent a barrier to the constitutional right to vote, especially for elderly and disabled.

Senate Majority Leader Jeb Bradley, a co-sponsor, said the bill would not disenfranchise any voters, nor create a barrier.

Sen. Ray White, R-Bedford, who represents Merrimack said the bill makes sense. "I believe it is well thought out and has no barriers," he said in a statement. "Voting is a precious commodity. People get excited to vote when they know their vote counts. People get discouraged if they think voter fraud will cancel their vote. SB 289 gives voters confidence that their vote counts."

WHAT Do You Think? Should New Hampshire join the 31 states that require some form of photo identification in order to vote? Comment below.