Jim Abeler on Government Reform

Photo ID for voting

Abeler: Strongly Disagree

Unlock the stifling stranglehold the of federal government

I am starting this run for U.S. Senate because I believe America is in trouble. The personal and religious freedoms that were intended for us by our Founding Fathers are being steadily eroded. Government spending is out of control and unsustainable. Massive debt to foreign countries threatens our sovereignty. Our children and grandchildren are born into a future as indentured debtors of our country's careless spending. When we are dependent on the government, we are absolutely not free.

Require photo ID to vote

Legislative title:Requires Photo Identification to Vote

Legislative summary: Vote to adopt a conference report that submits a constitutional amendment to the voters that requires voters to present photo identification prior to voting.Highlights:

• Requires voters voting in person to present valid government-issued photo identification in order to receive a ballot.
• Requires the state to issue photo ID at no charge to eligible voters who do not have valid government-issued photo ID
• Requires that a voter not capable of producing government-issued photo identification must be able to cast a provisional ballot
• Requires the amendment be submitted to the voters for approval at the 2012 general election.

Require photo ID for voting

All voters must be subject to identical standards of eligibility verification before voting and the state must make photographic identification available to eligible voters at no cost to them. The following persons shall not be permitted to vote at any election: A person not meeting the above requirements [for photo ID] ; a person who has been convicted of a felony, unless restored to civil rights; a person under guardianship, or a person who is not mentally competent.

Legislative Outcome: Vetoed by Gov. Dayton on April 4, 2011 and hence reintroduced as constitutional ballot initiative; passed House 72-62 on March 20, 2012; Rep. Jim Abeler voted YES; passed Senate 35-29 on April 4, 2012; defeated 54%-46% by voters as "Amendment 2" on Nov 6, 2012.