ST. PAUL, Minn. - Supporters of a requirement that Minnesotans show a photo I.D. in order to vote say they will make another attempt to pass a bill next legislative session. They say the law is needed to ensure election integrity, and they plan to try to get it passed as a constitutional amendment.



Opponents such as Greta Bergstrom, communications director with TakeAction Minnesota, say the state constitution is a place to guarantee rights, not take them away.



"Really, from a timing prospective right now, this has no place up at the Capitol in the discussions, when we are only 22 days away from a potential government shutdown."



If passed, a photo I.D. requirement would actually suppress the vote, by making it harder for those who are already on the fringes, Bergstrom explains.



"It targets seniors in nursing homes, those who haven't been driving for awhile and don't have an I.D., and those who move residences frequently, such as students or people experiencing homelessness."



The conservative-led legislature did pass a photo I.D. measure this past session, but it was vetoed by Gov. Dayton. If legislators approve it as a constitutional amendment in the next session, it would bypass Dayton and go directly on the ballot in 2012.



More information is available at a www.takeactionminnesota.org.



