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Kiffmeyer calls photo ID substitute unacceptable

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Mar 8, 2012 at 11:04 am

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - State Rep. Mary Kiffmeyer is batting down an election integrity proposal from Secretary of State Mark Ritchie as an unacceptable substitute to a constitutional amendment on her proposed constitutional amendment to require voters to bring photo IDs to the polls.

Kiffmeyer says Thursday that Ritchie's "electronic poll book'' voter verification proposal could complement a photo ID requirement but isn't an alternative. Ritchie is scheduled to tout his proposal at an afternoon press conference with fellow Democrat, Gov. Mark Dayton, and a bipartisan group of lawmakers.

Last year, Dayton vetoed a bill to require a photo ID for voting in law which is why backers are now pursuing a constitutional amendment.

Kiffmeyer's amendment is being reviewed Thursday by a House committee. She says Ritchie's proposal won't affect her plans.