Arkansas state senators by a 25-9 vote, approved legislation that would make voter identification laws a bit stricter in the Natural State.
Right now, residents who go to the polls without proper identification can sign a statement that they are eligible to vote. The ballot is provisional and will be counted unless the county election commission finds some reason to challenge it.
Under the new legislation, voters can still sign a statement, but they will have to present proper ID in person to the county clerk or election board by noon on the next Monday.
Now the bill goes to Gov. Asa Hutchinson. He said he would study the proposal but hasn't indicated which way he is leaning.
In our view, the governor should sign the bill. There is little or no hardship in requiring identification at the polls - and certainly none in allowing voters to cast their ballots and then giving them nearly a week to come up with ID.
Protecting the integrity of the ballot box is important. And something every citizen should support.