GOP Voter ID Bill Advances In State Senate But Prospects Dim

DENVER (AP) — Colorado's Republican-led Senate has advanced a bill requiring photo IDs for residents voting in person.

Other GOP attempts to pass more stringent voter ID laws have failed here in recent years. That likely happens this year, too, once the bill gets formal Senate approval and goes to the Democrat-led House.

Under the bill, voters no longer could use utility bills, bank statements, paychecks or Medicaid or Medicare cards as proof of ID and residency.

Supporters argued Tuesday that a threat of voter fraud justifies the measures.

Senate Democrats argued the bill would disenfranchise thousands of voters, especially seniors. They pressed their Republican colleagues for proof of a voter fraud problem in Colorado.