Montgomery, AL – The Alabama Legislature has given final approval to a bill requiring voters to show government-issued photo identification at the polls.
The issue was a priority for Republican lawmakers, who took control of the Legislature in last year's elections. The Senate voted 22-10 to approve the bill that now goes to Republican Gov. Robert Bentley for his signature.
The Senate sponsor, Republican Sen. Gerald Allen of Tuscaloosa, said photo identification is required for most activities like renting a movie or cashing a check and should be required to vote.
Opponents argued that it would disenfranchise older voters, particularly those in nursing homes who don't have a driver's license and can't get out to obtain a non-driver's identification card.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)