Joe Carr on Government Reform

Reduce crossover voting in Tennessee primary elections

Carr is running in the August GOP primary against Sen. Lamar Alexander. But Carr has maintained all along his bill has nothing to do with that. The bill was opposed by the Tennessee Republican Party Chairman among others. In the end, fellow Republicans on the GOP-controlled Local Government Committee refused to go along with Carr's bill.

In response to questions posed earlier by Rep. Vince Dean, Carr said those refusing to sign the declaration would not be allowed to vote in that primary. Dean questioned whether the bill would really accomplish anything, noting "they could still be honest, so this wouldn't help.

Increase campaign contribution limits but disallow lobbyists

• Contribution limits shall be adjusted to reflect the percentage of change in the average consumer price index.
• Each such adjustment shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of $100.
• Every 2 years thereafter, contribution limits shall be further adjusted
• Candidates shall be permitted to conduct fundraising events and only under the following conditions: fundraising events shall not be held on state property
• No contributions nor in-kind contributions from lobbyists, lobbying companies, or political campaign committees controlled by lobbyists.

Status:Bill passed Senate, 19-11-1; passed House 65-20-0; signed by Governor, June 1, 2011. (Rep. Joe Carr voted YEA).

Require photo ID in order to vote

• The voter shall present to the precinct registrar one form of identification that bears the name and photograph of the voter
• Valid forms of ID: Tennessee driver's license; US passport; state or federal ID with photograph; valid military ID card.
• If a voter is unable to present evidence of identification, the voter shall be entitled to vote a provisional ballot.
• People who religiously object to photo ID may vote after signing an affidavit.

Status:Bill passed Senate, 21-11-0; passed House 57-35-2; signed by Governor, May 30, 2011. (Rep. Joe Carr voted YEA).