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State Representative Mike Benson
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4378
For more information contact: Jason Wenisch 651-296-2317
NEWS RELEASE
REP. BENSON: VOTER IDENTIFICATION DECISION NOW BELONGS TO MINNESOTA VOTERS
ST. PAUL – Do you think voters should present photo identification prior to casting a ballot?
You will have the opportunity to answer this question on November 6.
Both the Minnesota House and Senate have approved a Constitutional Amendment question that will be placed on the ballot this fall asking Minnesotans if they support requiring all voters to present valid photo identification on Election Day. State Representative Mike Benson (R-Rochester), who co-authored the legislation, was pleased with the outcome.
“This is common sense legislation that is long overdue,” Benson said. “Governor Dayton didn’t want to sign the bill, but a strong majority of Minnesotans want this provision in place to ensure the integrity of our election system.”
Benson said the House and Senate had previously approved slightly different voter ID bills, meaning a joint House/Senate conference committee was needed in order to rectify the differences. Rep. Benson was one of the ten lawmakers appointed to serve on this conference committee.
Once the conferees agreed on the final wording for the bill, Benson said a compromise bill was crafted in the conference committee that could be approved in both the House and Senate. With that now accomplished, voters will have their say on Voter ID this November.
“We heard many, many scare tactics regarding this bill on the House floor and throughout the committee process,” Benson said. “It’s important to remember that those eligible voters without photo identification will basically have two years to obtain it if the plan is approved in November.”
“This is not a bill designed to discourage voter turnout, it’s designed to ensure that only legal Minnesotans are casting a ballot while eliminating any future worries over voter fraud in this state,” Benson concluded.
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- LAWMAKERS UNHAPPY WITH DECISION TO EXPAND GAMBLING TO PAY FOR VIKINGS STADIUM - (Posted: 2012-04-26 00:00:00)
- REP. BENSON: VOTER IDENTIFICATION DECISION NOW BELONGS TO MINNESOTA VOTERS - (Posted: 2012-04-05 00:00:00)
- REP. BENSON DISAPPOINTED WITH COMMISSIONER’S DECISION TO RELEASE CONVICTED PEDOPHILE - (Posted: 2012-02-08 00:00:00)
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