Proposed Indiana voting law changes draw objections

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – Indiana lawmakers are considering proposals that would eliminate straight party-line voting on state election ballots and require the use of voter identification numbers on mail-in absentee ballots.

Democrats say the Republican-backed changes would make voting more difficult and could hurt voter turnout.

Republican supporters say no longer allowing straight party-line voting with one click or mark of an election ballot would make voters more responsible for their choices. The sponsor of a bill requiring people who request mail-in absentee ballot to provide their voter identification number says it will help prevent voter fraud.

State Democratic chairman John Zody says the voter ID number is obscure information that few people know about. He says requiring it will cause trouble for senior citizens and low-income voters.