LINCOLN, Neb. (KMTV) — To protect election security several senators in the Nebraska Legislature are pushing a bill that would force Nebraskans to use an ID card in order to vote.
They say it’s another step the state can take to protect elections.
“Voter ID is the issue I hear the most from my constituents about,” says bill sponsor State Sen. Andrew La Grone of Gretna.
For La Grone, showing an ID when you cast your ballot is simply common sense.
“This can be done without disenfranchising a single voter. Voting is the most important right that we have and I think this would go towards more confidence in that right,” says La Grone.
Supporters of the constitutional amendment that would leave it up to Nebraska voters in November to decide on voter ID say they want to stop the problem before it’s even an issue.
That includes Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen who says he has found just two percent of Nebraskans eligible to vote don’t have a photo ID.
“Because it’s such a small number, it’s a very manageable thing to do and it’s something I’m committed to,” says Evnen.
Opponents of voter ID had their say, saying voter impersonation is so rare, the state does not need a law stopping it.
“It is more likely that an individual will be struck by lightning than they will be impersonated at a ballot box,” says opponent Tyler Wilson.
Opponents say that there are Nebraskans that have no use for an ID and shouldn’t have to go get one, just for the right to vote.
“I think there are a lot of elderly people that say ‘Okay I was done with driving, I’m done with this, I’m done with that and now I guess I’m done with voting as well,” says Sheri St. Clair with the League of Women Voters.
Others mentioned that the state should try and make sure more people can vote, instead of putting a voter ID law into place.
Margartet Fisher worries her friend wouldn’t be able to vote.
“He's a veteran, my age, who does not have a birth certificate for instance due to unfortunate circumstances and therefore does not have a photo ID. Does this mean that he, who has served this country should not be able to vote?” says Fisher.
If the legislature and Nebraskans both pass this constitutional amendment, it would be on the Legislature next year to work out the details on exactly how it would work.
