Mississippi Senate amends voter ID bill
The [Mississippi] Senate on Wednesday amended a House-passed voter identification bill to delete language that would have exempted the elderly from showing proof of their identity at the polls.
The House version provided people born before Jan. 1, 1940, would not have to show identification. The exception was put in to address concerns that requiring ID could be used to intimidate older black voters who once had to pay poll taxes.
Thirteen of the Senate's 52 members voted against the bill. The bill now goes back to the House, which can adopt it, send it to conference or let it die.
Voter ID has been a hot-button issue at the Capitol for years. Supporters say the measure would strengthen the integrity of elections in the state. Opponents say poll workers could misinform or intimidate voters. -- Senate Passes Amended Version Of House Voter ID Bill (AP via WLOX.com)