LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) – A controversial voter ID bill slated for debate in the Nebraska Legislature has been removed from the agenda.
Debate on the measure (LB239) had been expected to start as early as Tuesday. The bill by Fremont Sen. Charlie Janssen would require a government-issued identification to vote in Nebraska.
Critics say the measure would suppress voter turnout, especially among low-income and minority populations. Several Democratic senators in the officially nonpartisan Legislature have attached amendments to the bill for a filibuster.
Nearly 70 people gathered at the Capitol this week to protest the measure, which was introduced last year but carried over to this session. Lawmakers and interest groups have argued over whether voter fraud occurs in the state, and how widespread it is.