Senators hear thoughts on how Nebraska should implement voter ID
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A hearing on Nebraska’s Voter ID Act was held before the Committee on Governmental, Military and Veterans Affairs on Wednesday afternoon.
Chairman Tom Brewer chaired the hearing and took approximately one hour of testimony from each side.
The bill, introduced by Senator Julie Slama, follows a constitutional amendment passed in November that requires photo voter ID in Nebraska.
“Nebraskans have spoken,” Slama said. “It is now our responsibility as lawmakers to ensure that only those voters are counted and to protect public confidence in the integrity and legitimacy of our representative government.”
The bill defines a valid voter ID as a current document, such as a B. A driver’s license showing the voter’s name as it appears on their voter registration form and a photograph or digital image of the voter.
SEE ALSO: Proposed bills would add more requirements to Nebraska’s new voter ID law
Opponents say this will prevent many from voting in Nebraska, including 19,000 Nebrascans without state-issued identification.
“LB 535 is clearly impeding voting for thousands of Nebraska citizens,” said Jeff Schlichting. “You are faced with the obstacle of finding transportation to a government office during business hours to obtain this photo ID.
Supporters of the bill also called for adjustments at the hearing.
Hall County Elections Commissioner Tracy Overstreet required other documents, such as political subdivision ID cards and school ID cards, to be valid.
“Even allowing the state or county to have a mobile entity to issue ID cards for voting purposes or consider other exceptions that fit within the law,” Overstreet said. “I ask that you support LB 535 with additional flexibility so that no voter is left behind.”
However, one proponent expressed concern that the hearing, so soon after the bill was amended, was only about a day early.
“This public hearing should serve as a way for us to let you know our feelings on the bill,” said Danna Seevers. “Now the bill is very different. It has been completely changed. Personally, I think this hearing is a mistake.”
Regardless of the side, most raised the point that they would like lawmakers to take their time with this bill.
The words that rang in the microphone: No voter left behind.
