RICHMOND, VA (WWBT) - Delegates in the General Assembly want to require voters to show a photo ID before casting their ballots — but the measure won't pass without a fight.
Republicans argue that the current system, which requires minimal proof that you are who you say you are when you vote, is ripe for fraud.
Democrats counter that the instances of fraud are few and far between and tightening the standards would unfairly impact minorities and the poor.
These attempts to require things like photo ID in order to vote, have often failed, in part because Democrats controlled the senate.
Republicans now control the upper house and Democrats are very concerned that these laws have a better chance of passing.
They reacted by throwing a rally to encourage people to tell their legislator to vote against the plan.
A bill in the House is on its way to a final vote and appears likely to pass.
"If one person commits voter fraud in the commonwealth of Virginia, he disenfranchises all of us who have voted legally," said Del. Jackson Miller/(R) 50th District.
"Even though it's not intended to show voter suppression, they say if it walks like a duck, and it quacks like a duck, it might be perceived to be a duck," said Del. Rosalyn Dance/(D) 63rd District.
In a symbolic move, one house Democrat asked that the entire chamber have to show their IDs. That motion failed.
The House could take a final vote as early as Wednesday.
It will still need to pass the senate and get the signature of the governor before becoming law.
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