Protect Voting Rights

Section 1. Resolved (if the Senate concur), That article 2 of the constitution be amended by adding a new section 10 to read as follows:

§ 10. Voting rights. (A) No voting qualification or prerequisite to voting or standard, practice, or procedure shall be imposed or applied by the state or any political subdivision in a manner which results in a denial or abridgement of the right of any citizen to vote on account of race or color, religion, gender preference or disability.

(B) To assure that the right of citizens to vote is not denied or abridged on account of race or color, religion, gender preference or disability, no citizen shall be denied the right to vote in any election because of his or her failure to comply with any prerequisite for voting or registration for voting requiring him or her to:

(1) demonstrate the ability to read, write, understand, or interpret any matter;

(2) demonstrate any educational achievement or his or her knowledge of any particular subject;

(3) possess good moral character;

(4) pay or demonstrate payment of any poll tax or other tax;

(5) provide government issued photo identification at a polling site;

(6) provide documentary proof of United States citizenship to register to vote; or

(7) prove his or her qualifications by the voucher of registered voters or members of any other class.

EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets

[ ] is old law to be omitted.

LBD89100-01-9

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(C) Neither the state, nor any political subdivision, shall restrict third-party organizations or individuals from registering voters in good faith.

§ 2. Resolved (if the Senate concur), That the foregoing amendment be referred to the first regular legislative session convening after the next succeeding general election of members of the assembly, and, in conformity with section 1 of article 19 of such constitution, be published for 3 months previous to the time of such election.