Virginia thinks voter ID while Maryland onto same-day registration as states tackle voting reform

Democracy, elections, and voting at Democracy Chronicles

By Leah Dearborn

The states of Virginia and Maryland have both taken new steps towards voting reform this week, but in different directions. Virginia is considering voter ID while Maryland proposes same-day registration to tackle voting reform. A report at Wtop.com report noted,”Virginia’s General Assembly is moving ahead with a proposal that will require a photo ID to vote. That is just the opposite of what Maryland’s Gov. Martin O’Malley is proposing. He wants legislation to allow same-day registration like Washington, D.C. and more early voting days.”

Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell has not yet confirmed whether he intends to sign the voter ID bill, but a number of deterrents may prevent him from doing so. An article by The Washington Examiner analyzes the potential financial implications of the legislation:

One sticking point for McDonnell could be the cost. To get around constitutional concerns, the bill requires the state to issue a photo ID to anyone who asks, and according to a legislative fiscal analysis, that would cost $840,000 in the first five years. An independent study by the Commonwealth Institute estimated costs between $7 million and $21 million, based on experiences in states such as Indiana where similar laws have been passed.