PROVIDENCE, R.I. --- The Rhode Island House of Representatives delayed a debate and vote Thursday on legislation that proposes halting a new requirement for voters set to take effect in 2014: showing a valid picture identification at the polls.
Currently, Rhode Islanders must show an ID before voting, but there is no requirement that the ID have a person's picture on it. That requirement is to start next year.
But House spokesman Larry Berman said the bill is being reworked to reflect concerns raised by the Rhode Island affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union.
In a statement Thursday, the ACLU said the bill would eliminate numerous forms of ID currently accepted at the polls such as utility bills, bank statements, a student ID or an insurance card.
It would mandate that only three forms of non-picture ID be accepted: birth certificate, social security card or government-issued medical card. (IDs with pictures, such as a driver's license or passport, would still be accepted.)
"The bill is thus likely to have little positive impact on the people and groups facing the greatest possibility of disenfranchisement next year, and may negatively impact others whose currently legitimate forms of ID, photo and non-photo, will now be deemed invalid."
Berman said the House is expected to consider the bill next Wednesday, the day after it is slated to approve its version of the state budget.