HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 2012-113 Opposing Voter Identification Constitutional Amendment 0
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RESOLUTION NO. 2012-113
A RESOLUTION IN OPPOSITION TO THE PROPOSED
"PHOTO IDENTIFICATION REQUIRED FOR VOTING"
AMENDMENT TO THE MINNESOTA STATE CONSTITUTION
WHEREAS, voting is both a constitutionally-protected right and a civic responsibility of all citizens, and the
ability of eligible voters to cast their votes in free and fair elections is the cornerstone of American
democracy; and
WHEREAS, Minnesota enjoys one of the best election systems in the United States, and there has been no
evidence of voter impersonation, which is the only type of fraud that could be cured by the imposition of a
government-issued photographic identification program; and
WHEREAS, the 2012 Minnesota State Legislature voted to include the following question on the election
ballot in November 2012: "Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to require all voters to present
valid photo identification to vote and to require the state to provide free identification to eligible voters,
effective July 1, 2013?"; and
WHEREAS, the actual constitutional amendment states "All voters voting in person must present valid
government-issued photographic identification before receiving a ballot. The state must issue photographic
identification at no charge to an eligible voter who does not have a form of identification meeting the
requirements of this section. A voter unable to present government-issued photographic identification
must be permitted to submit a provisional ballot. A provisional ballot must only be counted if the voter
certifies the provisional ballot in the manner provided by law. All voters, including those not voting in
person, must be subject to substantially equivalent identity and eligibility verification prior to a ballot being
cast or counted." and
WHEREAS, the meanings of "government-issued photographic identification," "certifies the provisional
ballot in the manner provided by law" and "substantially equivalent identity and eligibility verification" are
not known and will not be known until after enacting legislation is passed and administrative rules
developed; and
WHEREAS, the State of Minnesota does not have a system for administering and certifying provisional
ballots and such system would need to be created; and
WHEREAS, the costs of creating and administering a provisional ballot system will be borne by the
taxpayers; and
WHEREAS, the costs of free government-issued photographic identification will be borne by the taxpayers;
and
WHEREAS, the costs of developing administrative rules, educating voters about new rules and regulations
and training election officials and election volunteers will be borne by the taxpayers; and
WHEREAS, in 2008, 31,512 Edina citizens voted in the general election; 3,763 (10%) of those voting
registered to vote on Election Day; and 7,316 (23%) voted by absentee ballot; and
CITY OF EDINA
4801 West 50th Street•Edina,Minnesota 55424
www.EdinaMN.gov•952-927-8861 • Fax 952-826-0389
WHEREAS, the amendment would end Election Day registration as we know it and create unknown
difficulties for eligible voters who vote absentee; and
WHEREAS, senior citizens, students, deployed military personnel, the poor, and minorities would be most
affected; and
WHEREAS, the City Council believes that the purpose of government is to provide for the security, benefit,
and protection of the people and that no citizen should be disenfranchised or deprived of any right;
Now,Therefore, Be It Resolved by the City Council of the City of Edina:
That the City of Edina joins with the coalition of organizations which oppose the proposed constitutional
amendment to restrict the voting rights of Minnesotans and urges citizens of Edina to vote "No" on the
amendment on Tuesday, November 6, 2012.
ADOPTED this 19" day of September, 2012.
Attest:
Debra A. Mangen, City Cldrk James B. Hovland, Mayor
STATE OF MINNESOTA)
COUNTY OF HENNEPIN)SS
CITY OF EDINA )
CERTIFICATE OF CITY CLERK
I, the undersigned duly appointed and acting City Clerk for the City of Edina do hereby certify that the
attached and foregoing Resolution was duly adopted by the Edina City Council at its Regular Meeting of
September 19, 2012, and as recorded in the Minutes of said Regular Meeting.
WITNESS my hand and seal of said City this day of 20_
City Clerk