Kansas: senate passes voter I.D. bill
AP reports: Senators approved a bill late Thursday that would require all first-time voters to show photo identification to vote and proof of citizenship to register to vote.
However, Democrats said the bill amounted to a "poll tax" because residents would be required to produce a copy of their birth certificate, passport or proof of citizenship to register. A birth certificate costs $12 in Kansas, while a passport is $97.
"This is the 21st century version of the poll tax," said Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley, D-Topeka. "I frankly don't know what problem we're trying to fix."
The Senate's 28-12 vote sends the bill to the House.
Republicans supporting the bill said it was a necessary measure to protect the integrity of the election process, noting that residents are required to show identification to cash a check, purchase cigarettes or buy alcohol. -- AP Wire | 02/15/2007 | Senate passes election ID bill over claims of 'poll tax'