Minnesota House Passes Photo ID Requirement For Voting

ST. PAUL  (AP) - The Minnesota House has passed a bill requiring voters to present a photo ID before they can cast a ballot.

The GOP-sponsored bill passed 73-59 Thursday on a mostly party-line vote. Republican supporters say it will make elections more open and honest, but Democratic critics say it will make voting more difficult for seniors, students and low-income people.

The Senate has already passed its version of the bill, and it now heads to a conference committee. Gov. Mark Dayton has raised concerns, but chief House sponsor Rep. Mary Kiffmeyer says she still hopes for his support. Kiffmeyer amended the bill Thursday to increase the frequency of state campaign finance reporting, which Dayton wants.

Republicans say they might put the requirement to a statewide vote in 2012 if Dayton vetoes it.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)