By Randal Edgar
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Rep. Larry Valencia started out by pushing for a repeal of the state's voter ID law, but the Richmond Democrat now says he is seeking a compromise.
With backing from House leadership, Valencia said his repeal bill will be amended before Tuesday's House Judiciary Committee meeting, so that rather than repeal the law, it would freeze it as is.
The existing voter ID requirements that voters show a government-issued ID in order to vote would remain. But the requirement that voters show a photo ID starting in 2014 would be eliminated, he said.
Valencia said he is open to changing the law, to strengthen or ease the standards, in the future, but only based on data that shows how it is working.