RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) --In a General Assembly session crammed with debate and controversy, one issue that hadn’t received as much attention- until now- is the passage of stricter voter ID laws.
The legislature approved two bills that will require voters to show some form of government-approved identification before casting a ballot on election day.
Virginia has always asked its voters to show a registration card, driver’s license, military ID or some proof of identity, but previously those without it could still cast a vote and sign an affidavit swearing they are who they say they are.
Opponents of the legislation feel that moving closer to required photo ID is tantamount to a poll tax, although Virginia still allows non-photo forms of ID such as utility bills.
Supporters believe the new bills will tighten lax voting policies.
But will they pass constitutional muster? Similar legislation in South Carolina and Texas was recently shot down by the Justice Department.
Sam Brock speaks with voters and political strategists and examines the issue. Just click the video above for his full report.
