States Concerned over Voter ID Requirements

"With less than two months before the General Election, it's discouraging that the Department of Revenue has issued only 1,836 free nondriver's licenses for voting purposes to Missourians," said Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan in a release yesterday. Carnahan explained that accounts for only 1 percent of eligible voters who will need them to vote, saying "This is unacceptable." Next week, Carnahan's Office will send a mailer to approximately 200,000 households regarding the new ID requirement "as part of a comprehensive awareness initiative required under the new law."

Minnesota Secretary of State Mary Kiffmeyer released a long list of acceptable identification for those wishing to register to vote, including a valid Minnesota drivers license, learner's permit or a receipt for either that contains the voter's valid address. A voter who is registered to vote in the precinct may also vouch for the person, according to the release.

And in Arizona, a federal court rejected a challenge to voter reform measures passed by voters in 2004 which requires that all voters provide proof of citizenship when registering, and produce identification at the polls. The lawsuit filed against Arizona Secretary of State Jan Brewer claimed that Arizona law infringed on the constitutional rights on certain voters, said a release from Brewer's office. "Once again, we were victorious in defending the citizens of Arizona," said Brewer, "to retain their inherent right to properly establish sufficient proof of citizenship when registering to vote and requiring all voters show identification at the polls."