Senate Republicans will introduce legislation requiring that Iowans present photo identification in order to vote. Senate Minority Leader Bill Dix of Shell Rock said Thursday the law would protect the integrity of the voting system.
Existing Iowa law doesn't require voters to show photo identification. Although Democrats say Iowa has little history of voter fraud, Republicans argue the risk remains and identification should be required. The bill is modeled after similar legislation introduced by Secretary of State Matt Schultz.
A Senate aide says filing the Senate bill demonstrates Republican support for the idea.
Democrats have opposed Schultz's proposal, arguing Republicans are motivated by a desire to discourage voting by groups who typically favor Democrats such as immigrants, low-income people and the elderly.
