Capitol Dispatch: Voter Verification?

“If you want to buy alcohol, you need to show a photo ID,” said , a Republican representing Fairfield in the 134th House District. “What is so unreasonable about asking for a photo ID to vote?”

Hwang, who sits on the Government Administration and Election Committee, said allowing people to register to vote on Election Day was just one of several proposed changes to the state’s election laws. But it is the most controversial.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and Secretary of the State of Connecticut Denise Merrill support the bill, which will be debated on the House floor. The bill would require proof of address, including copies of utility bills to register. The Republicans wanted the bill to require registrants show photo identification.

Hwang said because one needs a photo ID to apply for many state benefits, it isn’t onerous to require a photo ID to vote.

“The opposition argues asking for an ID disenfranchises the elderly or a minority population of the population who don’t drive and have drivers licenses, If you don’t one, we [the state] will provide one for you,” Hwang said.

Only eight states allow same-day registration and 30 states require photo IDs.