Nevada voter signature verification bill draws some critics

AP Photo/Cathleen Allison

FILE - In this Wednesday, March 25, 2015 file photo, Nevada Assemblyman Randy Kirner, R-Reno, testifies on his proposal to dramatically change collective-bargaining rules for public employee unions in a hearing at the Legislative Building in Carson City, Nev. A money committee is reviewing a bill that would dramatically change the Nevada Public Employees’ Retirement System. The Assembly Ways and Means Committee held a meeting Wednesday, April 15, 2015 to discuss AB190, which raised many questions and concerns at a hearing in a separate committee last month.

Associated Press

Wednesday, April 29, 2015 | 7:56 p.m.

CARSON CITY — A Nevada bill that changes the way poll workers verify voters' signatures is raising some eyebrows.

The Senate Legislative Operations and Elections Committee held a hearing Wednesday for AB462, which passed the Assembly on party lines this month and would make several changes to elections law.

The existing procedure involves voters signing in at the polling place, and a poll worker comparing the signature to one on file. If it doesn't match, the poll worker asks personal questions to establish identity.

The new process would require a photo ID rather than the questions. Bill supporters say that's quicker.

Critics included Democratic Sen. Kelvin Atkinson, who said the existing system works fine. Others asked whether the proposed process would throw up hurdles for voters with medical conditions that alter their handwriting.