By Bob Katzen
House 27-131, rejected an amendment that would require voters to present a valid government-issued photo identification in order to vote, including a Massachusetts driver’s license or state identification card issued by the Registry of Motor Vehicles; a United States passport; a United States military identification card; a Massachusetts-issued firearm identification card; or any other federal or state government-issued identification card that includes a photograph of the voter.
Amendment sponsor Rep. Marc Lombardo, noting that 36 other states require an ID to vote, said the amendment would strengthen the integrity of our elections while guaranteeing fairness and access for every eligible voter. He noted that a key provision, ensuring voters would not have to pay for an ID, requires the Massachusetts secretary of state to provide a photo ID at no cost to any registered voter who files an affidavit requesting one.
Rep. Daniel Hunt (D-Boston) opposed the amendment and said similar bills have come before the Election Laws Committee and have had zero support while there was a significant amount of testimony opposing them. He noted that there is virtually no evidence of fraud in our elections and argued the amendment would cause undue delays.
(A “Yes” vote is for the amendment requiring voters to present an ID in order to vote. A “No” vote is against requiring it.)
Rep. Christine Barber No Rep. Mike Connolly No Rep. Paul Donato No Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven No