Indiana Republicans are pushing a new initiative that would put more stringent requirements on mail-in voting. Under the proposed legislation, citizens wishing to vote by mail would be required to submit a photocopy of their driver’s license or two identification numbers as part of their application.

The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Tim Wesco, argues the new requirements are necessary to ensure the validity of mail-in ballots. He stated the step would put identification requirements for mail-in voting in line with what people must present when voting in person.

However, not everyone is in support of the bill. Democrats and so-called ‘voting-rights’ groups claim they are concerned the new requirements could be particularly onerous for older voters. They point out that county election workers already have the responsibility of confirming a person’s signature on the application.

Previous attempts to pass tougher Indiana mail-in voting laws have failed the last two years in the Republican-dominated Legislature. The current bill now goes to the full House for consideration.

It remains to be seen whether this latest attempt to make mail-in voting more secure will ultimately be successful. Regardless of the final outcome, it’s clear that this issue is highly contentious, with both political parties sharing strong opinions on the matter.