Charleston , Kanawha County , West Virginia

The West Virginia AFL-CIO held a rally Wednesday at the state Capitol, protesting a House bill that would require state residents to show photo identification when voting.

Labor leaders said they believe the proposed legislation would suppress the vote, according to a news release from the AFL-CIO.

“The West Virginia AFL-CIO believes the right to vote is a cornerstone of our country’s democracy, and we know that requiring a photo id to vote will prevent hundreds of elderly voters, young voters, students, minority and low-income voters from exercising their constitutional right to engage in the democratic process,” West Virginia AFL-CIO President Kenny Perdue said.

Perdue said there is significant evidence that the administration and implementation of the legislation requires significant monetary resources, creates an excessive financial burden for states already in financial crisis and further depletes resources needed for basic services for state residents.

The Associated Press reported that House Minority Leader Tim Armstead has said the proposal makes elections fairer. The Kanawha County Republican cited how people must show ID to cash checks and even to enter sporting events.

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