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View Full Version : Tennessee Debates Bill To Require Proof Of Citizenship To Vote




bobbyw24
05-12-2010, 09:44 AM
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) --People would be deterred from registering to vote if required to show proof of citizenship, say opponents of the proposal that passed the state Senate on Monday.

Lawmakers spent more than two hours debating the measure sponsored by Republican Sen. Dewayne Bunch of Cleveland before approving it 20-12. It is different than the companion bill that passed the House 92-1 last week.

That version would only require prospective voters to check a box to affirm they are citizens.

The Senate version did the same before it was amended by Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris to require proof of citizenship, which the Collierville Republican said satisfies election officials who want to see more evidence.

Bunch said the stricter legislation is needed to "protect the integrity of our elections."

"This is what our citizens want," he said. "It's a step in the right direction."

However, opponents said the measure would actually discourage people from registering.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/05/12/tennessee-debates-bill-to_n_573170.html