A bill that would require Colorado voters to show a government-issued photo ID before voting passed on second reading in the House on Monday.
House Bill 1003, sponsored by Republicans Ken Summers and Libby Szabo, would require voters in the state to present "a valid, government-issued form of identification with a photograph" at the polls before voting. Currently, Colorado voters need only present forms of ID such as a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, medicare card or birth certificate. None of those would be valid if HB 1003 becomes law.
Colorado Republicans have long-pined for photo-ID requirements. Shortly after being elected, Colorado Secretary of State, Republican Scott Gessler called a move to photo-ID requirements his top legislative priority.
Supporters of the measure say voter ID requirements are necessary to prevent voter fraud. Democrats have countered that no evidence exists that voter fraud is a widespread problem in Colorado.
During Monday's testimony, many Democrats also mentioned specific groups of voters who may be disenfranchised by the measure.
Nonetheless, the bill passed its second reading, and will face a final vote in the House before moving to the Democrat-controlled Senate.
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