NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - A proposal that would require Tennessee voters to show photo identification before they can cast ballots has passed the Senate.
The measure sponsored by Republican Sen. Bill Ketron of Murfreesboro was approved 21-11 along party lines on Monday. The companion bill is waiting to be taken up by the State and Local Government Committee in the House, where it has failed the last several years.
However, because the GOP controls both chambers -- and every committee in both is headed by a Republican -- the measure is expected to pass this year.
Present law allows voters to provide documents without photos such as valid voter registration certificates or Social Security cards. The proposed legislation specifies that "the identification must bear the name, address and photograph of the voter."
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
