Oberstar urges Northland residents to oppose Voter ID ballot measure
Former 8th District Congressman Jim Oberstar spoke out against the proposed amendment that would make a government-issued ID mandatory before casting a ballot in Minnesota at a rally in Duluth Saturday. WDIO reports that the longtime DFL representative is concerned the measure could hurt Minnesota's voting record. "It will take Minnesota from first in the nation in voter turnout and clean elections, to worst in the nation," Oberstar said. However, supporters of the amendment argue it's needed to prevent voter fraud.
Last week, State GOP senators Mike Parry and Scott Newman filed an administrative complaint arguing that Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie is violating campaign laws by using his office to influence the outcome of the voter ID amendment.
Ritchie outlined his objections to the measure in a MinnPost opinion piece last month.
A Star Tribune Minnesota Poll released last month found 52 percent favored the Voter ID Amendment, while 44 percent opposed it and four percent were undecided. At least 50 percent approval is needed in order to pass the measure.
Minnesota voters will decide on the Voter ID measure next month.
