House Gives Voter ID Amendment Final Approval

ST. PAUL  (AP) - The Minnesota House has given its final approval to a constitutional amendment on November's ballot that will have Minnesotans decide if a government-issued photo ID should be required to vote.

The 72-57 vote came shortly after midnight Wednesday and was on a straight party line, with Republicans in favor and Democrats opposed. If the Senate gives its final approval, the amendment's place on the fall ballot is set.

The Senate vote could come as early as Wednesday.

Supporters of the measure say it will add integrity to Minnesota's election process. But opponents argue it will be difficult and costly to enforce. Democrats predict that requiring a photo ID to vote will harm Minnesota's longtime tradition of same-day voter registration, and disenfranchise eligible voters without access to a proper photo ID.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved)