Republican lawmakers in Arkansas voted on Monday to override a veto by the states Democratic governor and approve a bill that requires voters to show photo identification at the polls, prompting an outcry from civil libertarians who vowed to fight the law.
Legislators in the Republican-controlled state House of Representatives voted 52-45 to override Democratic Governor Mike Beebes veto, joining the state Senate, which had voted on March 27 to approve the new law over his objections.
Arkansas will join nearly three dozen U.S. states that have voter ID measures, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The laws are part of a nationwide effort by Republicans at the state level to prevent voter fraud. Critics say they hinder low-income and minority voters and are challenging the laws in several state courts.
“Arkansans will be well-served by this new electoral safeguard,” Republican Party of Arkansas Chairman Doyle Webb said.The American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas is “very likely” to challenge the law in court and is looking at its options, Director Rita Sklar said.
READ MORE: Arkansas House votes to override veto of voter ID bill | Reuters.