Georgia: House passes new voter i.d. bill
AP reports: After more than four hours of tense, racially charged debate, House lawmakers approved changes to Georgia's voting standards Thursday meant to address a federal judge's concerns that requiring a state-issued ID at the ballot box amounts to a poll tax.
Republican backers contend the bill will help prevent voter fraud, but Democrats argued in fiery terms that it blocks voters from casting their ballots. One Democrat called some of the proposal's supporters "racist."
The changes approved Thursday would devote about $150,000 to arm registrars in each of Georgia's 159 counties with the equipment to issue photo IDs, which voters must present to cast their ballots. The bill, which passed by a 110-64 vote, also offers the ID cards for free. It now awaits the approval of the GOP-controlled Senate, where it is expected to pass.
Critics said the requirements to show a form of state-issued ID suppresses the votes of the poor, minorities and the elderly. -- Macon Telegraph | 01/13/2006 | House backs voter ID changes