AUGUSTA — By a single vote, the Maine Senate approved a bill Wednesday that would require voters to produce photographic identification at the polls when voting.

The 18-17 vote followed a lively floor debate in which Republican supporters of the bill argued that protecting the integrity of the state’s voting system was their primary objective.

Two Republicans, Sens. Roger Katz of Augusta and Brian Langley of Ellsworth, joined Democrats in opposing the bill.

If the bill, LD 197, were to pass into law, Maine would become the 32nd state to require some form of photo identification at the polls.

The bill’s sponsors said that voting should be treated the same as other activities that require proof that a person is who they say they are, including buying alcohol, cigarettes, or even being allowed to vote in a union election.

“Does not the privilege of voting deserve to be protected in the same manner?” state Sen. Andre Cushing, R-Hampden, asked his colleagues.

But opponents said the requirement could block some people from the right to cast ballots.

State Sen. Nathan Libby, D-Lewiston, said his city’s clerk offered testimony against the bill, saying she believed it would disenfranchise many voters, especially the elderly, poor and disabled.

“This is going to make their ability to exercise their right, not their privilege, to cast their ballot more difficult,” Libby said. 

Others in opposition said the bill was a solution to a problem that didn’t exist and noted the Legislature previously has rejected attempts to require photo identification at the polls.

“Here we go again – deja vu all over,” said state Sen. John Patrick, D-Rumford. “Another attempt to find a solution that is not a real problem.” Patrick went on to say Maine frequently is heralded nationally for its high voter turnout and its well-run election process.

But Senate Majority Leader Garrett Mason, R-Lisbon, said there is a problem.

“It is incredulous that we would claim that there is no voter fraud in Maine,” Mason said. “This is a way to crack down on that and protect the integrity of the election process in Maine.”

The legislation would allow a person without identification to cast a provisional ballot and gives them five days to produce identification to election officials in order to have their ballot validated. The measure includes a cost because it provides for free state identification cards for those who cannot afford to pay the fee.

The bill next will go to the House of Representatives where it faces an uphill battle with the Democratic majority.

sthistle@sunjournal.com

Maine Voter ID