Bill to include voter photos in Nevada poll books survives deadline

CARSON CITY — A bill that would provide for the inclusion of photos of voters in election day poll books survived to see another day Thursday when it was re-referred to the Senate Finance Committee because of cost implications.

The bill was sent from the Senate Legislative Operations and Elections Committee to the money panel without a recommendation on the policy. Moving it to the Finance Committee will keep the measure alive until later in the session.

The cost of the proposal ranges from $800,000 to $4 million.

Senate Bill 63 was proposed by Secretary of State Ross Miller.

Miller said in previous testimony that the photo element of his plan would provide further assurance to Nevadans that there is no voter fraud being committed in the state.

It would not require voters to present identification to vote, and would ensure that every voter would have the opportunity to cast a ballot, he said.

Miller contrasted his proposal with controversial voter ID proposals that have been implemented in other states.

Contact Capital Bureau reporter Sean Whaley at swhaley@reviewjournal.com or 775-687-3900.