AUGUSTA, Maine - The Maine House of Representatives has rejected a bill that would require people to show photo identification before voting.
The Democratic-led House voted 82-66 against the bill on Tuesday. The bill, introduced by Republican Sen. Ron Collins, was narrowly approved by the Republican-controlled Senate with an 18-17 vote last week.
It faces further votes.
Republicans say the bill would ensure the integrity of Maine's election system. They also reject the argument made by some opponents that it would make it harder for some people to vote because 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.
Democrats say that voter fraud is virtually non-existent, so the bill is unnecessary.