Virginia governor, Bob McDonnell introduced amendments to the Senate yesterday to “soften” the requirements under a newly adopted voter ID law.
Senate Bill 1 would require Virginia voters to present photo ID to vote in person. Those who do not show ID must vote a provisional ballot and provide proof of identity the next day to be counted. It passed the legislature in March and awaits the governor’s approval.
Reuters has more on the story:
“But McDonnell, often mentioned as a possible vice presidential contender, sent the measure back to lawmakers, saying voters should be given more time – until the Friday after an election – to present proper identification.
McDonnell also proposed allowing officials to validate provisional ballots given to those without proper identification by comparing their signatures at the voting booth with those on file with the state election board in the absence of valid identification.
‘Ensuring the security, fairness and openness of our elections are cornerstones of a strong democracy,’ McDonnell said in a statement. ‘For people to have faith in their government, they must have faith in their elections.’
The Virginia General Assembly will review the amendments when it reconvenes next week.