MASON CITY, IA - It's a debate taking place on both sides of the state line. Lawmakers in Iowa and Minnesota are talking about requiring a photo ID in order to vote.
Republicans in both states say it's a way to strengthen voter security and reduce fraud, but Democrats say it intrudes on a citizen's basic right to vote.
"No I haven't had to show an ID yet," said Aaron Olson.
Olson is a young voter but still takes the civic duty seriously. He says he wouldn't have a problem getting carded in order to vote.
"I don't think it hurts anyone you're going to have your ID on you most of the times anyway you have to use it anyway," said Olson.
Even though he's from a rural north Iowa community Olson says voting security is something that should get more attention.
"It could help just because we're getting into a different age where people are coming all around from America and Iowa is kind of a melting pot right now," said Olson.
“Voter ID, photo ID is very much a partisan issue," said Ken Kline, Cerro Gordo County auditor.
Kline says eight states currently require photo ID's at the polls. All passed on party line votes. Kline says the Iowa House bill passed the Republican-led body very quickly.
"In the Senate I’m sure there will be much greater debate much more deliberative or a slower process," said Kline.
GOP members say the ID's are needed to reduce voter fraud, but Kline says most fraud happens in absentee ballots which the Iowa bill does not address.
"I am not aware in 18 years of election administration of any specific instance of voter fraud in person," said Kline.
But if the bill does become law voters say it might take some getting used to, but shouldn't cause a huge problem.
"Sure people might grip about it right away but then after that they're going to get used to it just getting used to something that's new," said Olson.
Kline is part of a six person bipartisan committee currently looking at this issue. He has traveled to Florida and Indiana to see how their photo ID laws operate.
That committee is expected to release a report next week Wednesday. Kline says they're not going endorse a side of the issue, just present information for law makers to use.
On the Minnesota side: a feature in that state's bill offers free ids to voters who don't currently have a driver's license. The Iowa bill does not include that.
