http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_86624.asp

Breaking News
May 28, 2006

State House Votes Down Immigration, Election Measures
posted May 27, 2006

Legislation by Rep. Curry Todd (R-Collierville) to require proof of citizenship and a photo ID to vote was defeated along largely partisan lines on Friday.

“The Tennessee Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act” would also have required proof of citizenship to receive any taxpayer funded public benefits or services.

“Immigration reform and election reform simply must be addressed in Shelby County and throughout the state,” said Rep. Todd. “Tennesseans are extremely concerned about the integrity of our election process - no one knows that better than the residents of Shelby County. I am disappointed that the House refused to implement these common sense reforms.”

The legislation would have required a birth certificate, driver’s license, passport or certificate of naturalization to register to vote in Tennessee. It would also have required some form of photo identification to vote at the ballot box. House Republicans were joined by one Democrat in supporting the bill and House Democrats were joined by one Republican in defeating the legislation.

“The influx of illegal immigrants to our state is undermining our ability to provide social services to Tennesseans,” said Rep. Todd. “It is hurting emergency rooms, impacting law enforcement and generally stressing our infrastructure and other state resources.”