House panel takes up voter-ID bill

— A House panel is taking up legislation that would require Arkansas voters to show photo identification at the polls before they could cast a ballot.

The House State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committee on Wednesday was expected to consider the voter ID bill proposed by Republican Sen. Bryan King of Green Forest. The Senate approved the measure last week.

King’s proposal would only take effect when there’s funding for the state to provide IDs free of charge to voters who don’t have driver’s licenses. It would also exempt voters who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.

Arkansas law currently requires poll workers to ask for identification, but voters are not required to show it.

Upcoming Events