Photo ID bill moves closer to floor vote in Minn. Senate

Legislation requiring Minnesotans to show photo identification before they can vote has moved closer to a floor vote in the Minnesota Senate.

Members of the Senate Finance Committee approved the measure Tuesday, sending it next to the Rules Committee before full Senate action. Sen. Warren Limmer, R-Maple Grove, the bill's chief author, said a photo ID requirement would enhance the voting system and improve turnout for elections.

"I believe that it's the membership of the Senate that sees this as one of those areas that is needed to modernize our election system, and at the same time to create the very best integrity and security for our voters," Limmer said.

Democrats on the committee questioned the need for the bill, as well as its $1.5 million price tag. Gov. Mark Dayton has called the voter ID proposal a solution in search of a problem.