Residents in a southeastern New Mexico city are heading to the polls to vote on a measure that would require a photo ID in municipal elections.
Hobbs will hold its special election Tuesday. The proposal, which would amend the city charter, would require residents to present photo identification at polling places.
Hobbs is the latest battleground over requiring strict identification to cast ballots.
Supporters say the measure would help eliminate potential in-person voter impersonation and increase public confidence in elections.
Civil rights groups argue that voter ID measures disproportionately affect blacks, Latinos, senior citizens and the poor by unduly restricting voting and imposing unnecessary costs.
The election arrives on the heels of a Lea County record-low turnout in November's midterm elections.
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