Patrick Opposes Mass. Bills Requiring Voter IDs
BOSTON (AP) -- Gov. Deval Patrick is vowing to reject any bills that he said would make it harder for voters to cast ballots in Massachusetts.
The Democratic governor was responding to questions about a number of Republican-backed bills that would require residents to produce identification before voting in elections.
Patrick said Wednesday that while he was not familiar with all of the proposals, "I am not interested in and will not sign anything that makes it harder to vote."
The bills were part of a State House public hearing before the Committee on Election Laws.
Supporters say requiring identification from voters will help guard elections against fraud.
But opponents, like Common Cause Massachusetts and the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts, say the extra hurdles will disenfranchise voters, particularly minorities.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
