ID bill will negatively affect 300,000 voters

Dear Editor,

In response regarding LB 111, I must point out that what seems to be a reasonable way to protect voters' rights, will instead negatively impact around 300,000 voters across Nebraska. LB 111 would require a voter to show a driver's license or state-issued photo ID with current address at the polls. This will cause significant problems for minorities, the elderly, college students and low-income groups found in urban areas, small towns, and rural settings.

For example, a resident in McCook, who moves into a retirement facility there will have to get a new driver's license or state-issued photo ID in order to vote in future elections. A driver's license or photo ID costs $26.50. The person may move only a few miles or even a few blocks, but find himself prevented from voting if he doesn't have the license or photo ID with a current address.

Getting to a DMV office in not easy in 75% of Nebraska counties, with some of them offering DMV services only once a week.

Many students who attend UN-K, for example, want to vote where they live while attending school. To do so would mean obtaining a new driver's license or photo ID, showing that current address. The original intent of the bill is to be among the most restrictive in the nation, and this is exposing serious problems with implementation.

Nebraska Secretary of State John Gale has stated each time that this type of legislation is introduced that Nebraska does NOT have a voter fraud problem. It is virtually non-existent. Secretary Gale estimates it will cost his office (our taxpayer dollars) $300,000 per election cycle to train poll workers and educate voters on the new law if enacted. Providing free photo ID cards for those who qualify under the legislation would result in a revenue loss of $1,000,000 to the state. With much more important problems to be addressed by our state senators, such as prison reform, debating a bill which is a solution in search of a non-existent problem is a gross waste of tax money.

The Constitution of Nebraska guarantees the right to vote without hindrance or impediment. LB 111 mandates the very opposite of that guarantee, is therefore unconstitutional, and should not be enacted into law.

Sherry Miller,

President, League of Women Voters

of Nebraska