On Wednesday, House lawmakers are set to debate voter ID. Opponents say the measure would suppress the vote of minority and poor residents who don't have such ID.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- South Carolina lawmakers have passed a bill requiring voters to show photo identification at the polls.
The House voted 74-45 to advance the bill. Currently, voters can show either their driver's license or voter registration card.
The issue is a top priority this year for Republicans, who control the House by a 76-48 majority.
Republicans call it an issue of voter integrity. Democrats say it would suppress the vote of minority, disabled and poor residents who don't have such IDs.
The voter ID measure died last June, as House and Senate members failed to agree on a compromise. The Senate version of the bill had added a two-week window of early voting without having to provide an excuse.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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