Republicans on an Iowa House committee endorsed changes in Iowa election laws that supporters say will “modernize” the process.
Representative Ken Rizer, a Republican from Cedar Rapids, is chairman of the House State Government Committee. He says by updating technology with “electronic poll books,” precinct workers will be able to verify a voter’s identity with an I-D card that can be swiped.
Rizer says public opinion surveys show voters overwhelming favor law that require voters to show an I-D in order to cast a ballot. Democrats like Representative Vicki Lensing of Iowa City say the proposal will “disenfranchise” 85-thousand disabled, elderly and minority voters in Iowa who do not have a driver’s license.
About a quarter of Iowa counties do not currently have electronic poll books. The bill calls for setting aside more than 700-thousand dollars in state money to update voting technology. It’s now eligible for debate in the full House. Senate Republicans have signaled support for the concept as well.
