Senate committee rejects proof-of-citizenship plan for voters

03/23/2006

Star Tribune
March 23, 2006

In a straight party-line vote, the Elections Committee of the DFL-controlled state Senate rejected on Wednesday a proposal that would require proof of citizenship in order to register to vote in Minnesota.

The bill had been approved in a committee in the Republican-controlled House, over objections by DFLers that it could unfairly disenfranchise college students, senior citizens and qualified voters who may not have the required documentation when they try to register.

Republicans said proving citizenship with a birth certificate or passport would build integrity and faith in the system. Opponents said that it was unnecessary and that there is scant evidence of significant illegal voting by non-citizens. Only one other state, Arizona, has a similar requirement.

In other action, the Elections Committee approved a dramatic one-third reduction in the size of the Legislature, effective for the 2012 election. The bill would cut the number of senators from 67 to 45 and House members from 134 to 90.

Legislators in previous years have considered, but never very seriously, proposals that would eliminate many of their jobs. Minnesota’s Legislature is one of the larger ones and advocates of reducing its size cite cost savings. But opponents say fewer members would mean more constituents per lawmaker and lower-quality representation.

The committee also approved staggering Senate terms, so that half of the members run for reelection every two years, rather than all members every four years.