First-time voters would no longer be allowed to present certain forms of identification when registering by mail under a bill heard by the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Jan. 23.<\/p>\n
Currently a first-time voter registering by mail can use several forms of identification including utility bills and bank statements. Under LB662, introduced by Omaha Sen. Bob Krist, these no longer would be considered valid forms of identification. Krist said documents like utility bills and bank statements are more easily forged than others.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis seeks to increase the integrity of the election process by addressing two areas that are at a higher risk for potential fraud,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Various forms of government identification documents from federal, state and local agencies containing the applicant\u2019s name and address would still be permitted under the bill.<\/p>\n
Voters who have moved from their original precinct but attempt to vote at that same precinct also would be required to show a current government identification document that contains a photograph or image of the voter.<\/p>\n
Jefferson County Election Commissioner Sandra Stelling supported the bill, saying it would help workers in smaller counties.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn small villages, when you send a statement it usually asks for a [post office] box number,\u201d she said. \u201cThis would help because the driver\u2019s license would actually state the voter\u2019s physical address. It would definitely help our poll workers because they\u2019d only have to look for one form of ID.\u201d<\/p>\n
Nebraskans for Civic Reform Executive Director Adam Morfeld opposed the measure, saying it would disproportionately affect younger, rural and low-income voters.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen restricting fundamental rights, there should be a compelling state interest with a clearly identifiable problem,\u201d he said. \u201cWe should instead focus on modernizing election and voter registration processes.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sherry Miller, League of Women Voters Nebraska president, also opposed the bill.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe voters most likely to be impacted are college students, senior citizens who no longer drive, as well as low-income adults,\u201d she said. \u201cWe just don\u2019t have a problem that needs to be addressed.\u201d<\/p>\n
The committee took no immediate action on the bill.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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