Senate Vote: Photo ID Requirement for Voting
Summary: Requires voters to present government-issued photo identification before voting
Result: Amendment Rejected
A vote against the amendment was counted as a + vote (in line with LCCR's position)
View individual member votes on this bill by state:
Bill Name: Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2007
Bill Number: S. 1348
Issue: Voting Rights
Date: 06/05/07
Roll Call No. 184
During consideration of S. 1348, the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2007, Sen. Mitch McConnell, R. Ky., offered an amendment that would require voters, beginning with the 2008 election, to present government-issued photo identification before voting.
LCCR opposed the McConnell amendment.
As our nation recognized when it eliminated poll taxes, no citizen should have to pay to vote. Many individuals do not have a photo ID or the time and money to obtain it.
While the McConnell amendment authorized funds to help states give free IDs to voters who cannot afford it, the funds were not guaranteed, and the provision would not have addressed other burdens involved in obtaining an ID.
Furthermore, photo ID requirements disproportionately affect racial and ethnic minorities, who are less likely to have a photo ID, and they also give poll workers an unacceptable level of discretion, opening the door to discrimination at the polls.
Result: The McConnell amendment was defeated (41-52).
