One of Minnesota’s election-year flashpoints is photo ID; Republican-leaning “election integrity” groups want to mandate it for voting, but state law doesn’t require it.
However, a front-page error on the Star Tribune makes it seem like the ID forces have already won. The paper’s “Voting Tips” does not distinguish between registered voters — who need no other ID to vote — and those registering on Election Day. (Update: the Strib has corrected the web version.)
Under the heading “What You Need,” the Strib states:
All that’s required is a legal photo identification card, a utility bill showing a voter’s residence or a signed affidavit from another resident in the voter’s precinct.
The item makes it seem like all voters need such things, but it’s actually an incomplete version of what same-day registrants need. The complete list of same-day registration options, from the Secretary of State’s website:
To register at your polling place on Election Day, you must bring one of the following with your current name and address to verify your residence in the precinct :
- A valid Minnesota driver’s license, learner’s permit, Minnesota ID card, or receipt for any of these
- A valid student ID card including your photo, if your college has provided a student housing list to election officials
- A Tribal ID card that contains your picture and signature
- A valid registration in the same precinct under a different name or address
- A notice of late registration sent to you by your county auditor or city clerk
- A voter registered in the same precinct as you who can confirm your address with a signed oath
- An employee of the residential facility where you live who can confirm your address with a signed oath
- Both 1) a photo ID from the list below, and 2) a current bill from the list below with your current name and address in the precinct
- Photo IDs (may be expired)
- Minnesota Driver’s License
- Minnesota ID Card
- United States Passport
- United States Military ID Card
- Tribal ID Card
- Minnesota University, College, or Technical College ID Card
- Bills (delivered electronically or by mail)
- Utility bill due within 30 days of election day:
- Telephone (landline, cell, VOIP, etc.)
- TV (cable, satellite, etc.)
- Internet services
- Electric
- Gas
- Solid Waste
- Sewer Services
- Water
- Rent statement dated within 30 days of election day that itemizes utilities
- Current student fee statement
- Utility bill due within 30 days of election day:
- Photo IDs (may be expired)
The Strib item does provide a link to the secretary of state’s website, and a hotline: 1-877-600-VOTE (8683).
Given the Strib’s daily circulation and web traffic, the error could, at the very least, flood helplines on a day already complicated by “election integrity” challenges. And let’s hope no races are decided by Franken-Coleman margins.
