UPDATED: Sen. Bonoff: Yes to Voter IDs, No to Voter ID Bill

UPDATED POST, MAY 23, 2011:

The Minnesota legislature passed a bill that would require photo identification be shown at the polls. Sen. Terri Bonoff (DFL-Minnetonka) opposed the measure (see original story below).  But Governor Mark Dayton will likely veto the legislation. In reaction to the bill's passage through the legislature, Bonoff released this statement: 

“There is a public perception, following two close recounts, that something is missing in our electoral process. I believe we have one of the best election systems in the country. Yet if there is a perception of public concern, we owe it to Minnesotans to make certain our voting process is iron clad.”

“I did not support the photo ID measure brought before us yesterday because while it may have solved some problems, it ultimately created obstacles for all people to vote.” This was made quite clear by the types of organizations who opposed the measure. The League of Women Voters, Catholic Charities, YWCA, and Jewish Community Outreach are just a few of those who opposed the bill.”

“I have contacted the Governor’s office and expressed interest in working on this issue over the interim, when we have completed the important work of balancing the budget.” 

ORIGNAL POST, APRIL 27, 2011: 

This installment of 'Patch Politics' features Senate Assistant DFL Caucus Leader,  (DFL-District 43) talking about legislation that would require voters to have photo identification in order to cast their ballots.

Right now, legislators are considering a measure (SF 509) sponsored by Sen. Warren Limmer (R-Maple Grove), that would mandate a voter identification card for each Minnesotan who goes to the polls. That legislation passed in the Senate yesterday, 37-26. Sen. Bonoff voted against the legislation while (R-District 42) and (R-District 33),  voted in favor of it. 

Sen. Bonoff says that there may be a need for voter photo ID. However she is concerned about this legislation for various reasons including that there are Minnesotans who may not be able to secure a photo ID in a "timely fashion." 

Minnesota’s League of Women Voters is calling the legislation “unnecessary, costly and harmful."  Sen. Bonoff, citing the LWV's opposition to this bill, believes more work would have to be done to craft voter ID legislation that is more fair. She ended her remarks saying that the legislature should be working on the budget now, saving this legislation for a more appropriate time. 

Check Minnetonka Patch's 'Patch Politics' column for video segments featuring your local lawmakers:  (DFL-District 43), (R-District 42), (R-District 33),  (DFL-District 43B),  (R-District 33B), and  (R-District 42A). The UpTake is a non-profit, citizen-driven, on-line video news gathering organization, established in 2007.