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The Senate Elections Committee on Friday approved the bill, along with legislation that would require voters to present identification at the polls. It was unclear when the bills would come up for a full Senate vote.The Senate Elections Committee was divided over voter ID, which was approved 5-4 along party lines. Voter ID has become a perennial and divisive issue at the Capitol. Most black lawmakers and many Democrats are opposed to the measure that is a rallying point of the Republican Party. Sen. David Jordan, D-Greenwood, said the legislation would open the door to voter intimidation, especially among minorities. Sen. Alice Harden, D-Jackson, said requiring ID could exacerbate other poll problems, such as long lines, inoperable voting machines and untrained workers. Elections Committee Chairman Terry Burton, R-Newton, said the purpose of the bill was to target people who misrepresent themselves at the polls. [more]