The GOP's Opening Salvo on Election Reform
Republican Senators Bond and McConnell have proposed new legislation to regulate election administration. Not surprisingly the proposed bill tilts heavily toward measures purporting to curb fraud and, as for expanding access . . . well, not so much. According to their press release, the legislation would require:

. Photo ID to be presented at the polling place - with grants tostates to provide free photo identifications.
. States to sync their databases with each other to remove duplicateregistrants and allow the use of social security numbers to facilitate this goal.
. Voter registration forms must be complete to be accepted -- affirming the registrant's citizenship.
. Forms from a voter registration drives must be submitted within 3 days after the registrant signs them.
. Polling sites to have lists of those who already voted and those who requested an absentee ballot.
. Election officials to clean their lists of non-voters.
. Absentee ballots are returned by Election Day.
. States to determine how provisional ballots are counted.
. Drivers license number, last 4 digits of social security number or photo ID to get absentee ballot.
. Pilot program for use of indelible ink at polling places to signify that an individual has voted. States can apply for grants to participate in the program.
. Penalties for individuals who pay someone to register to vote and for those who destroy property with intent to impede the act of voting are also part of the Voter Protection Act.

The bill's being called the "Voter Protection Act of 2005." - posted by Dan Tokaji @ 10:51 PM