Voter ID Bill Gets Lift From Court Ruling

Sponsors say a U.S. Supreme Court ruling upholding Indiana's strict photo ID requirement for voting should help pass a less-stringent voter ID bill in Oklahoma.

Monday, April 28th 2008, 2:02 pm

By: News On 6

Voter ID Bill Gets Lift From Court Ruling

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Sponsors say a U.S. Supreme Court ruling upholding Indiana's strict photo ID requirement for voting should help pass a less-stringent voter ID bill in Oklahoma.

A bill introduced by Sen. John Ford is headed for a final vote in the state Senate after passing the state House.

Ford, a Bartlesville Republican, says his legislation is less intrusive than the Indiana law. It allows people to document who they are by presenting a photo ID or other form of identification, such as a utility bill or a bank statement.

Rep. Sue Tibbs, a Tulsa Republican, says the court ruling is a clear signal that voter identification laws are justified. She says she hopes the state Legislature comes back next year a requires a photo identification to vote in Oklahoma.