AP Analysis: GOP’s push could put voter ID on ballot
The Mississippi Republican Party’s investment of time and money in a voter identification initiative has likely improved the odds the proposal will make it to the ballot.
Contentious debate over voter ID has been a legislative distraction for a while. Each year, bills are filed calling for voters to present photo ID when they cast ballots. The legislation is debated, usually in rancorous tones, but dies by session’s end.
Lawmakers came close to reaching a deal in the 2009 session, but the measure was killed by Senate Republicans. One of them, Sen. Joey Fillingane of Sumrall, later filed an initiative petition with the secretary of state’s office to let voters decide whether presenting ID at the polls should be required. The petition needs about 100,000 signatures by Oct. 1 to be placed on next year’s general election ballot.
Sun-Herald
8/15/9
Magnolia Tribune
