Senate Dems Fear Possible Voter Suppression On Election Day
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Illinois Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago) and other Democrats were sounding the alarm Thursday about what they said might be potential voter suppression in this state.
WBBM Newsradio Political Editor Craig Dellimore reports, during early voting, a photo ID is required at polling places, because voters can cast a ballot outside their precinct.
But Cullerton said he wants to remind voters no such requirement is in place for voting on Election Day.
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Senate Democrats are afraid some election judges might demand voters show picture IDs on Tuesday, possibly to discourage minority voters.
Cullerton said Democrats have heard some election officials elsewhere in the state have told election judges to ask for photo ID on Tuesday, but he wouldn't name names.
"If there is anybody out there – some elected official, some clerks in counties that are from one party, and they think that they want to suppress the vote from people from the other party, and they see a minority or somebody who they think is going to vote Democrat, and they might be a Republican – we want to make sure that that voter knows what the law is, and what their rights are."
State Sen. Terry Link (D-Waukegan) said any voter whose eligibility is challenged on Tuesday due to a lack of photo ID should not leave the polling place without voting.
"We have put in so many provisions that allow you to vote – even on a provisional vote – if there's question about your registration, your address, or any other thing, that you are allowed to vote on Election Day," Link said.
A student ID, a Social Security card, or even a utility bill showing an address should be enough for voters if there is an eligibility problem.
