Supporters of strong voter ID laws seek grassroots help in "fixing" measure that passed NC House | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Publisher's note: Brant Clifton discusses the landmark legislation of Photo Voter ID in his "bare knuckles" Conservative online publication known as The Daily Haymaker.

    There's a new video out floating around that raises some serious questions about the strength of the voter ID bill that recently passed the GOP-controlled state House. There's also a companion web site, called Fix589 that makes the case for adding teeth to the legislation ushered through the House - and heralded - by Speaker Thom Tillis and his leadership team:

    THE PROBLEM: As passed by the North Carolina House, HB 589 is seriously flawed! It will not stop any organized criminal voter fraud programs. In fact, the Beaufort Observer called the bill a "Fake" Voter ID Bill. Here's why:

    •  The law allows expired driver's licenses to be used as voter id. Learn more

    •  The law allows up to 500 different types of id cards to be used as voter id. Learn more

    •   The law will not be enforced until after the 2014 election. Learn more

    THE SOLUTION: The bill now goes to the North Carolina Senate, where it must be fixed. It will most likely come up for a vote in the Senate in June. Here's how we think HB 589 can be fixed:

    •   Allow only the following as valid id: unexpired driver's license or non-operator's license, valid military id (with proof of residency), current US passport (with proof of residency)

    •   Any voter who does not have one of these valid IDs will still be able to vote, but must sign an affidavit attesting to their identity. Affidavits will include a digital photograph that will be taken at the polls. This affidavit will become a part of the public record and will be retained for a minimum of 22 months (as ballots are already retained).

    The site urges readers to contact their legislators and demand these changes. Here are a few links to let you know the names of the senators and, specifically, who represents YOU.