The state Senate has made some changes to a new voter ID bill.
As passed by the House, it would allow expired drivers’ licenses to be a valid form of ID for someone to vote.
"The Committee did not understand why we should accept an expired form of ID," said Sen. Nichole Poolman (R-Bismarck), a member of the Senate’s Government and Veterans Affairs Committee.
But Sen. Connie Triplett (D-Grand Forks) challenged that.
“Even airlines accept expired drivers' licenses for up to a year, as I understand, for people being able to fly,” said Triplett.
The amendments also eliminate the use of alternative forms of ID – such as student certificates. And Senate Minority Leader Mac Schneider (D-Grand Forks) took issue with that.
“I'm sorry to see the Secretary of State will no longer have the discretion to allow student certificates to be used, said Scnieder. "And for that reason, I will be opposing this bill.”
Poolman says these issues can be worked out in conference committee.
The measure passed 38 to 9.