Day 6

0800 - 1700

Another summary of lobbyist action -- The Iowa Department of the Blind served a breakfast including the tiniest muffins I have ever seen. They were free ... no doubt that had something to do with it. Ag Week continued with Soybean Day, and T-shirts, soy treats, and gigantic "soybean" exhibits. Palmer Chiropractic College provided a lunch ... so far, the best free lunch I've had. John Edwards visited the Democratic caucus today ... I sat in on his "pep talk" - 10 minutes, nothing original. No offense, but it wasn't a place to reveal new policies. It was interesting to see Mr. Edwards, though.

Legislation -- several bills were passed easily. Non-controversial, and so forth. The only two bills that saw any amount of debate today were an all-inclusive transportation bill and same-day voting registration. The transportation omnibus was controversial for its allowance of certain farm implements to drive on county roads, but a fee would be charged to the owners and would benefit the county. The bill passed.

The second bill would eliminate the 10-day pre-election registration period for voters in Iowa. There was a range of debate over this bill, mostly along party line, and some highlights follow. The bill would require a photo ID and certain proof of residence, as well as an signed oath certifying the legality of the vote. The Democratic supporters argued that the bill would improve voter turnout, especially among the coveted 18-25 demographic. It seemed from the arguments that the other beneficiary would be those who had recently moved to the state and had not had time to register. However, Republicans argued that the bill cheapened the voting process by simplification. Rep. Watts said, "It's up to the voter to inform himself!" Rep. Wortham questioned the voting judgment of anyone who failed to register previously to the deadline. Apparently, the model for the same-day registration was Minnesota, where 30% of voters do so same-day. Only seven other states currently allow this practice.

Rep. Wessel-Kroeschell's closing remarks raised an interesting question. She states that democracy is dependent upon allowing, even encouraging citizens to vote. However, don't the Constitutional principles of America center around individualism? Isn't democracy really dependent upon its citizens to be individually responsible? Also, is voting a right, or a privilege?

Regardless of the truth of the issue, the bill passed the House, 53-42. I will say that the debate was relevant and interesting - I look forward to more debates in the same line.