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(AP) --

Updated 5:24pm

SC legislators requiring photo ID to vote

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- A bill requiring voters to show photo identification at the polling place has received key approval.

The House passed the proposal 65-15 following hours of contentious debate, and a walkout by black legislators.

Republicans said it's an issue of voter integrity and security. Democrats contend it's about suppressing the vote of the elderly, disabled and minorities.

Members of the Legislative Black Caucus called it a backlash against the election of President Barack Obama. They said Republicans have made it clear their vote on the issue won't matter.

The measure requires voters to show a valid driver's license, passport, military ID or state ID card. It removes the current $5 fee for the cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

APNP 02-26-09 1722EST

Updated 5:19pm

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- Black legislators in South Carolina have walked out of a floor debate on whether voters should be required to show photo identification at the polling place.

The contentious debate continued Thursday on the House floor.

Republicans say it's an issue of voter integrity and security. Democrats contend it's about suppressing the vote of the elderly, disabled and minorities.

Members of the Legislative Black Caucus called it a backlash against the election of President Barack Obama. They said Republicans have made it clear their vote on the issue won't matter.

The measure requires voters to show a valid driver's license, passport, military ID or state ID card. It removes the current $5 fee for the cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

EARLIER TODAY

South Carolina lawmakers are debating a bill requiring voters to show photo identification to prove who they are at polling precincts.

The debate was under way Thursday on the House floor.

The measure requires voters to show a valid driver's license, passport, military ID or state identification card. It removes the current $5 fee for the cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Rep. Alan Clemmons argues it's a voter integrity issue. The Myrtle Beach Republican says federal court rulings about similar laws in other states back requiring photo ID.

Democrats contend the measure is about suppressing the vote. They say there's no need for the proposal since there are no documented cases of voter fraud in South Carolina.

(Copyright ©2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)