ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Rejecting arguments that it would improve election integrity in the state, DFL members of a House committee on Thursday voted down a proposal to require voters to show a photo ID at the polls.

Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Delano, had argued that the bill could prevent voter fraud and possibly increase voter participation. But he mainly emphasized what he saw as the bill's ability to foster a longlasting trust in the system.

"If we're truly proud of our elections, if we truly want to ensure that we're going to protect the integrity of the process and the legitimacy of the outcome for our children and our grandchildren, it's imperative that we require something as simple as photo ID," Emmer said.

But opponents said the bill, which also would have allowed those without a valid ID to cast a provisional ballot, said the requirement would be anything but simple.

Secretary of State Mark Ritchie, a Democrat, told lawmakers the bill would lead to "a gigantic new bureaucracy" for creating provisional ballots.

When asked if he thought requiring voters to show photo ID would improve election integrity, Ritchie said it would have "zero affect one way or the other."

Opponents also argued that a photo ID law could disenfranchise senior citizens or others who might not have a valid photo ID.

Rep. Mary Kiffmeyer, R-Big Lake, said when she was secretary of state, she would often get asked why Minnesota doesn't require voters to show a photo ID. Kiffmeyer also said polls have shown a majority of Minnesotans approve of the policy.

"There's great public support. My question is why are we stopping it?" she said.

That argument was countered by David Schultz, a Hamline University professor who testified against the bill. "Simply because a majority of the people want something does not necessarily mean they prevail when it comes to dealing with constitutional rights," Schultz said.

Emmer hasn't said whether he will try to bring it up as an amendment on the House floor.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)