By Photo I-D legislation clears Ala House committee
Montgomery, AL – - A House committee has approved a bill
that would require Alabama voters to show valid photo
identification at the polls before casting a ballot.
The House Constitution and Elections Committee approved the bill
on an 8-3 vote. The bill by Republican Rep. Gerald Allen of
Cottondale now goes to the full House for debate.
The bill would strengthen the current law that allows a number
of alternatives to photo identification, including a hunting or
fishing license, a utility bill or a pistol permit.
The bill is mostly supported by Republican legislators. It has
been opposed by black lawmakers, who say it would make it harder
for elderly and low income residents to vote.
Allen told committee members that requiring voters to prove
their identity will protect the election process.