The House gave initial approval today to a bill that would let Coloradans decide if voters should be required to show photo identification.
House Bill 1111 as introduced , pilot’s license, military ID, Medicare card or student identification in order to cast a ballot.
Bill sponsor Rep. Libby Szabo, R-Arvada, moved to amend the legislation so the question could be put to voters as a referendum after Democratic lawmakers argued the requirement could disenfranchise eligible voters — particularly minorities and the elderly who may be less likely to have a photo ID.
Szabo said requiring photo ID would help protect the integrity of the voting process.
Currently, Colorado is one of 16 states that require identification but not a photo ID, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Voters may use a utility bill, birth certificate, bank statement, government check or other government-issued documents.
The bill is expected to face more opposition if it makes it to the Democrat-controlled Senate.
Sara Burnett: 303-954-1661 or sburnett@denverpost.com
