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House panel approves stricter voter ID bill

Posted at 6:14 PM, Dec 01, 2016
and last updated 2016-12-01 18:14:46-05

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan lawmakers have advanced contentious legislation that would change the procedure for voters who don’t show photo identification at their polling place.

Voters without an ID currently must sign an affidavit before voting. Under the bill approved Thursday by the Republican-led House Elections Committee, they could vote but would have to visit the local clerk’s office no later than 10 days after the election to ensure their ballot is counted.

They would have to present a photo ID with their current address or other documentation establishing their residency, or sign an affidavit attesting to an inability to obtain an ID.

House Elections Chairwoman Lisa Posthumus Lyon says the bills are based on an Indiana law that was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court. Democrats say Republicans are trying to suppress the vote.