By: Brittany Paris
bparis@klkntv.com
A state senator is pushing again to pass a voter ID law in Nebraska. A public hearing at the state capitol was held on Thursday on the measure.
A similar bill was killed last year in the legislature.
The bill by Sen. Charlie Janssen would require voters to provide a government issued photo ID before casting their ballot.
The Department of Motor Vehicles said they would offer a state ID for free to Nebraskans who want an ID for voting, but cannot afford one.
Supporters said the bill would prevent voter fraud, while the opposition said it just makes voting more difficult.
"It is not unreasonable to require photographic identification to protect our most basic right," Susan Gumm, supporter, said.
"It will reduce the number of people who vote in Nebraska. Period," Lowen Cruse, opponent, said.
The measure would not affect voters casting ballots by mail or who vote early, unless it's their first time voting.
If the bill passes, voters who do not present a photo ID at the polls would still be allowed to cast a provisional ballot, which means election officials would have to verify those votes.
