St. Paul & Duluth Photo I.D. Requirement Referendum

There is a current petition drive to get a St. Paul & Duluth Photo I.D. Requirement Referendum on the ballot in Ramsey County in the city of St. Paul and in St. Louis County in the city of Duluth.

Home Rule cities are allowed to make some changes in how their elections are conducted. Currently The Minnesota Voters Alliance is working towards getting the 7,100 signatures needed in St. Paul alone. There is the legal question of if imposing photo i.d. rules is allowed by home rule cities, but those petitioning for the vote will not know if it is legal until they submit their petition, if it gets to that point. If this measure was approved and voted on, it would only apply to city races, school election are covered under different laws. Opponents say it would deter voters more than it would prevent voting fraud. The cities would have to ensure a way for those without i.d. to get one either free or cheaply. The poor and old are the focus of this argument stating that they'd have the most difficulty with getting a photo i.d. The group heading the petition also hopes this gains state recognition, where similar votes were stalled.