Monday, March 9, 2009
The Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal reports that Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant wants the voters to decide whether the state should require Voter ID
Bryant, who presides over the Senate, gave a lukewarm endorsement to efforts in his chamber to revive a House bill that requires people to display a photo identification to vote.
Bryant said he now wants the issue to be settled by voters through the initiative process.
"I favor putting the issue on the ballot," he said. "I will assure you it will pass overwhelmingly."
Putting the issue on a ballot will take 100,000 signatures.
[S]ome senators want to revive the House bill through a process that requires a two-thirds majority of both chambers. On Friday, those wanting to revive the House bill, including Senate Elections Committee Chairman Terry Burton, R-Newton, could not garner the two-thirds majority. They can try again next week.