FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 2, 2009

Citizens group(s) launch PHOTO ID petition drive in St. Paul for City elections

Two public interest groups, the Minnesota Voters Alliance and the Citizens for Responsible Taxation, a St. Paul-based organization, have launched a petition drive to amend the St. Paul and Duluth City Charters to require voters to present PHOTO ID when voting in City elections.

The groups plan to submit the necessary signatures by July 10th, 2010, to place a referendum on the November 2010 ballot pursuant to the Minnesota Statute 410.

Voter ID protects the rights of legitimate voters! If undocumented persons, convicted felons and dead people are allowed to vote, or if properly registered voters have their identities stolen by someone casting an illegal ballot, THE VOTES OF ALL LEGITIMATE VOTERS ARE DEVALUED!

The electoral system cannot inspire public confidence if no safeguards exist to deter or detect fraud or to confirm the identity of voters. Photo identification cards currently are needed to board a plane, enter federal buildings, and cash a check or even rent a rug doctor.

According to a recent Rasmussen and Opperman polls, over 77% of citizens think requiring PHOTO ID’s is a good idea. “Many people are surprised to learn that Photo ID isn’t already a requirement. This will undoubtedly help statewide efforts to help guarantee the integrity of our elections”, said Kurt Kastel, President of the Citizens for Responsible Taxation.

“We got over 300 signatures in the first couple days with little effort, I never thought I’d see an issue where nearly everyone supports it!” said Andy Cilek, Executive Director, Minnesota Voters Alliance.

The proposed Charter Amendment reads: In all St. Paul elections for the offices of Mayor and City Council, and special elections held under the City Charter, voters voting in person must present a valid photo ID card prior to casting their ballot. Such Photo ID must be one of the following; a current Minnesota Driver License, State ID, an ID card issued by the U.S. Government, or a Tribal Government. If a citizen cannot afford a photo ID, The City shall provide the means for the voter to obtain a Minnesota ID at no cost.

The U. S. Supreme Court ruled in 2007 in Crawford v Marion County Elections in Indiana, that Voter ID was a constitutional method for citizens to assure the integrity of their elections.

We are having a kick-off event in St. Paul, MN on Thursday, November 5th,

7pm at O’Gara’s Bar and Grill in St. Paul and Snelling and Selby avenues.

We are planning to Kick-off the Duluth event on Saturday November 14th at 10:30AM. Place TBA. Interested citizens and volunteers are encouraged to attend!

IRV Update; Stay tuned for our upcoming IRV lawsuit against the City of Minneapolis.

Media contacts:

Minnesota Voters Alliance; Andy Cilek - 612.990.2533- www.MNVoters.org

Citizens for Responsible Taxation; Kurt Kastel; 651.308.5297

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it