The Republican-controlled Iowa Legislature has passed a bill that will require identification at the polls and reduce the number of early voting days.

The Republican-controlled Iowa Legislature has passed a bill that will require identification at the polls and reduce the number of early voting days.The Senate approved the bill 28-21 Thursday. The House approved it earlier this month. It now heads to Republican Gov. Terry Branstad, who has indicated he supports requiring ID to vote. The legislation would require people to show acceptable identification at the polls beginning in 2019. The state must provide identification to people who need it. Another provision will reduce early voting before a general election from 40 days to 29 days. It also eliminates a straight party voting option. Republicans say the measure will maintain voter integrity, though there's no evidence of widespread fraudulent voting in Iowa. Democrats say the legislation will suppress voter turnout and is unnecessary amid budget constraints.Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved

The Republican-controlled Iowa Legislature has passed a bill that will require identification at the polls and reduce the number of early voting days.

The Senate approved the bill 28-21 Thursday. The House approved it earlier this month. It now heads to Republican Gov. Terry Branstad, who has indicated he supports requiring ID to vote.



The legislation would require people to show acceptable identification at the polls beginning in 2019. The state must provide identification to people who need it.



Another provision will reduce early voting before a general election from 40 days to 29 days. It also eliminates a straight party voting option.



Republicans say the measure will maintain voter integrity, though there's no evidence of widespread fraudulent voting in Iowa. Democrats say the legislation will suppress voter turnout and is unnecessary amid budget constraints.


Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved