DELAWARE -- House Bill 112, sponsored by Representative Bryan Shupe (R), is proposed legislation that would require voters to present a state-issued, photo ID to vote. The bill was introduced on Tuesday, April 8th.
"It would make sure that, when everybody votes, they have a visual of who they are, where they are residing, and that they are a US citizen," Shupe told WBOC Wednesday.
According to the representative, the proposed bill aims to help update the state's voter registration lists, as well as help prevent voter fraud.
"It will help update our voter rolls, which have been an issue for elections in the past," Shupe said. "It gets them on track to be more transparent and accountable. It also ensures people that we have elections that are fair."
Mike Brickner, the executive director of Delaware's ACLU chapter, told WBOC he worries the bill will present an extra barrier to voters if enacted.
"Most social scientists estimate about 10% of the voting-age population does not have those types of IDs," Brickner said. "Whether because they can't afford it, they don't need it, or they don't have the documentation to get it easily."
Shupe said the proposed bill includes provisions to account for potential cost barriers. According to Shupe, the bill would make the first state ID received free of charge, and subsequent ones after 20 dollars each. Currently, there is a 40-dollar charge to receive a state ID in Delaware.
However, Brickner said those changes would not be enough.
"It oftentimes costs money to get your birth certificate, or a copy of your social security card," Brickner said. "You also have to travel to the DMV, or get a ride with someone if you don't have reliable transportation."
Shupe said the proposed bill will next be discussed in the Delaware Houses' Elections and Government Affairs Committee. The representative said he expects their next meeting to be sometime this May.