RICHMOND, Va (WTVR) -- Before driving, boarding a plane or buying alcohol, you need to have a photo-ID in hand. Soon, you may have to add voting to that list.
A bill sponsored by Republican Senator Mark Obenshain of Harrisonburg requires you to present a photo-ID before casting a ballot.
“I don’t think this is the end of the story,” says Democratic Delegate, Jennifer McClellan. She tells CBS 6, some Democrats are now heading to the governor, along with that bill, asking him to veto it.
“It’s utter nonsense,” says Democratic Delegate Joe Morrissey while speaking before the House of Delegates.
Democratic lawmakers claim, this bill will instead disenfranchise hundreds of thousands of voters.
Republicans say that's not the case, arguing, this bill would protect the integrity of voting and simply prevent voter fraud.
“We're trying to make sure that the person who comes and presents himself at the polls as a certain person Is in fact that person before we give him that precious right to vote,” says Republican Delegate Rob Bell.
CBS 6 political analyst, Dr. Bob Holsworth says the governor will likely side with his party’s base before agreeing with Democrats on this issue. “I’d be surprised if we see a gubernatorial veto here,” says Dr. Bob.
If the governor signs the photo- ID bill, it then heads to the U-S Justice Department to make sure it doesn’t violate the Voting Rights Act.
