Posted at: 10/31/2012 5:47 PM
Updated at: 10/31/2012 6:34 PM
By: Brianna Long
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Email to a FriendTim Penny Visits Rochester to Talk Voter ID Amendment
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(ABC 6 NEWS) -- When voters hit the polls next week, they won't just be choosing their favorite candidates. They'll also be deciding whether or not to amend the state constitution. One of those amendments involves voter ID laws.
It was a heated discussion at the Rochester Senior Center. It was all surrounding one question; should voters be required to show a photo id at the polls.
"Is that really the kind of thing that needs to be in our state's constitution," said former congressman Tim Penny. Penny put together a forum, along with the AARP. Both are encouraging people to vote no.
"If there's fraud in the current system, there could be fraud in that system," said Penny.
Grace Patterson attended the forum and has a different opinion.
"I feel very strongly that we need this constitution amendment," she said.
People didn't hesitate to speak out, each with their own reasons for supporting or opposing the amendment.
"I think that people, this close to the election, have a lot of passion about this issue," said Amy McDonough, with AARP.
"Voter suppression is intended to disenfranchise seniors, college students and especially minorities," said Nancy Adams, who opposes the amendment.
"I feel that everyone should already have a photo id. You need to use it for basic things in life," said Dan Hanks, who supports the amendment.
"In the 42 years that I've voted; I've always presented my driver's license whether its required or not," said another supporter.
Even though opinions were different, everyone seems to agree on one thing.
"Your most precious thing, your vote," said Patterson.
"I think the right to vote is one of the most precious rights we have."
Organizers say that most people who attended the event already had their minds made up. There weren't many questions asked; more just opinions that were shared.
