The Senate has voted 27-6 in favor of HB 496, House-passed legislation from Rep. Mike Moyle, R-Star, to require voters to show a photo I.D. card in order to vote, or sign an affidavit. "You can't drive, you can't cash anything, you can't virtually function today in society without an I.D.," said Sen. Monty Pearce, R-New Plymouth, the bill's Senate sponsor. Democrats objected that the new requirement would slow down the voting process and deter Idahoans, including seniors, who may not have a photo I.D. from voting, and that people could face felony charges for mistakenly giving an incorrect address.  "This is really a voter suppression law at a time when we should really be encouraging people to vote," said Sen. Kate Kelly, D-Boise. Sen. Jim Hammond, R-Post Falls, countered that he's always been surprised I.D. wasn't required to vote. "Shouldn't we at least establish for sure who that elector is?" he asked. The bill now goes to Gov. Butch Otter.

---

---