House Passes Voter Photo ID Constitutional Amendment

The Minnesota House of Representatives passed a bill early Wednesday morning to put a Constitutional amendment on the ballot next November requiring voters to show photo ID when they vote.

The City of Burnsville has taken a position against the proposal, citing a burdensome increase in the cost of conducting elections which city officials argue will be borne by local government.

The vote, like most others Tuesday on proposed changes to the bill, was along party lines, 72-62. All local representatives from south of the river voted for its passage: Pam Myhra, Diane Anderson, Pat Garofalo, Mary Liz Holberg, Tara Mack, and Mark Buesgens all voted in the affirmative. To see the vote and some of the failed amendments to it, click here.

Richfield Rep. Paul Thissen along with Reps. Ryan Winkler (D-Golden Valley) and Steve Simon (D-St. Louis Park) held a Tuesday morning criticizing Republican priorites and the amendment itself. For months Thissen has slammed Republicans for putting amendments ahead of bigger priorities such as jobs bills.

The Minnesota Senate Rules Committee takes up the bill Wednesday. If approved by the Legislature, voters will decide by referendum at next fall's general election whether to change the state Constitution. A r is already set to appear on the ballot.

. Click play on the video above to see the House debate and voting proceedings.

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