LOD: Scoop on Photo ID

The Fayetteville Observer has a revealing story today about how Republicans in the NC General Assembly plan to “move gingerly but deliberately to pass a law this year requiring voters to show IDs at polls.” It includes extensive comments from Rep. David Lewis, co-chair of the House Elections Committee and the man charged with crafting the new legislation. He’s ready to explore using facial recognition technological to verify a voter’s identity, as well as a flexible schedule to phase in ID requirements. And he says any bill will not be rushed through the General Assembly, but will be “thoroughly vetted” in legislative committees, complete with public testimony from people for and against whatever is proposed. But, bottom line, even if it’s not actually needed, a new law must pass that does something to impose new barriers on voting.