While some states are ratcheting up voter identification programs (exhibit Florida), New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch vetoed a bill yesterday that would have required voters to either bring a photo I.D. with them to the polls or sign a voter affidavit and have their photo taken.
The bill initially allowed for several forms of acceptable photo identification, including a non-driver's identification card, a military I.D., passport, a driver's license from any state, a student I.D., and any other form of photo I.D. determined to be acceptable by election officials, including those issued by federal, state, or local government.
By 2013, however, student, local, and other forms of I.D. would no longer be accepted. The only acceptable forms were to be a state-issued I.D., such as a driver's license, a military I.D., or a passport.
The governor said in a statement that he rejected this "more restrictive list" of identification, and found it "completely inappropriate" that a registered voter would need to verify their status through an affidavit typically reserved for non-registered voters.
Critics also worried that the affidavit process could slow voting time and create long lines. Supporters of the bill have vowed to continue the fight, possibly bringing a new version to the governor's desk.
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