A Guide to the Minnesota Voter ID Amendment

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When they will be tasked with voting on a variety of candidates and measures, including the proposed constitutional amendment regarding voter identification.

The question on the ballot will read:

Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to require all voters to present valid photo identification to vote and to require the state to provide free identification to eligible voters, effective July 1, 2013?

The following is a collection of Patch articles detailing the amendment:

The Making of an Amendment

The Minnesota Senate passed the bill April 4, shortly after the Minnesota House passed its version, sending the measure to the November ballot:

• House Passes Voter Photo ID Constitutional Amendment
• REPLAY: Photo ID Amendment Goes to November Ballot

Voters, Organizations Speak Out

Patch asked local voters to tell us why they were voting for or against the measure:

• Minnesota Voter ID Amendment: Why I'm Voting 'No'
• Minnesota Voter ID Amendment: Why I'm Voting 'Yes'

We also asked readers to share their thoughts on why the measure was appearing on the ballot:

A supporter and opponent also went head-to-head in an October 2012 debate:

• (WATCH) On-Demand Video of MN Voter ID Debate

Other articles:

• Church Council Urging Vote Against Voter ID
• Veteran Asks Voters to Vote 'No' on Proposed Amendments

Local Politicians Weigh-In

Richfield's U.S. Congressman Keith Ellison has been very vocal about why he opposes the amendment:

• Ellison Speaks Out Against Voter ID Proposal
• Ellison: Voter ID Will Keep Snowplows Off the Roads
• Ellison: Don't Make Voting Harder by Requiring Photo ID

Not surprisingly, Richfield's state legislators—who are all DFLers—are also not supportive of the measure:

• Sen. Ken Kelash: Where's Funding for Voter Photo ID Program Coming From?

In addition, the Richfield Human Rights Commission passed a resolution in opposition of the amendment:

• City Commission Passes Resolutions Against Proposed Constitutional Amendments

Supreme Court Review

The Minnesota Supreme Court reviewed the amendment and ruled it was constitutional:

• Voter Photo ID Amendment Goes before MN Supreme Court

After the ruling, Patch asked readers if they agreed:

• POLL: Do You Agree With the Supreme Court's Amendment Decisions?

Hennepin County and the Amendment

If the amendment were to pass, the need for additional training, more election judges and new equipment would be costly, according to the county: 

• Hennepin County Board Poised to Oppose Photo Voter ID Amendment

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See what supporters say: Protect My Vote

See what opponents say: Take Action MN

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More Election Guides:

• A Guide to the 2012 Richfield City Council Races
• A Guide to the Minnesota 5th Congressional District Race
• A Guide to the Richfield Referendum Proposals
• A Guide to the Minnesota Marriage Amendment