Sharon4StateRep64A

Dear Sharon:News results for Norm Coleman v. Al Franken MN

Coleman vs. Franken: The Rematch - Nov 17, 2008

... the Senate campaigns of Norm Coleman and Al Franken. "If you can count, we need you in Minnesota by November 16 for training,'' hollered an e-mail flyer ...

Minneapolis Star Tribune - 2097 related articles »

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11/21/2008 11:20:05 A.M. Central Standard Time

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Opinion@coleman.senate.gov

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To:	sharon4anderson@aol.com
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I believe requiring folks to show photo identification in order to vote is a common-sense idea in order to ensure the integrity of our election process. I will say however, that I'm very sensitive to the concerns regarding folks who may have trouble obtaining an ID such as the elderly or folks having financial difficulties. I whole-heartedly support grant programs to help offset the costs of IDs in order to vote.

As you may know, back in April the Supreme Court, in a 6-3 ruling, upheld the state of Indiana's strict photo ID requirement. The Court ruled that states can require voters to produce photo identification without violating their Constitutional rights (Crawford v. Marion County Election Board).crawford v. marion county election board decision - Google Search The Indiana law requires a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license to vote in federal, state, and local elections.

More than 20 states require some form of identification at the polls. Currently, voting ID requirements are decided by each state. As you may know, in Minnesota voters are required to present a government issued ID, but not necessarily a photo ID.

The Senate most recently voted on voter ID legislation on May 23, 2007. Senator McConnell offered an amendment to require a government issued photo ID for voting, and I supported his amendment. Unfortunately, it failed by a vote of 41 to 52. Currently, there is no legislation in the Senate to federalize a photo ID system across the country.

Since most election law is set at the state level and will not come before the United States Senate, I encourage you to contact the Governor, the Minnesota Secretary of State, and your state legislators regarding this issue. I have included the contact information below for Governor Tim Pawlenty, MN Secretary of State Mark Ritchie, as well as a link to the Minnesota State Legislature District Finder:

Governor Tim Pawlenty 130 State Capitol 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Saint Paul, MN 55155