AUGUSTA, Maine - The Maine Senate has given initial approval to a bill that would require residents to show photo identification in order to vote.
The Republican-controlled chamber voted 18-17 in favor of the bill Wednesday. It now heads to the Democratic-led House.
Republican Sen. Scott Cyrway said it would eliminate any chance that voter fraud could occur. He says if residents must present an ID to do things like buy certain cold medicines, they should also have to when they vote.
But Democrats said it's a solution is search of a problem. They say it would make it harder for some people to vote.
The bill would allow people who can't present an ID on Election Day to cast a provisional ballot. They'd have to prove their identity within five days.