Republicans on the floor of the US Senate on Tuesday afternoon staged a takeover that effectively puts Democrats on record as opposing voter ID legislation.
The GOP move will open up debate on the merits of the bill by both sides, with some Republicans joining Democrats in opposition.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer on Tuesday called it "a radical bill," even though it simply calls for voters in federal elections to present official picture identification and specifies penalties for election judges who don't follow rules.
The proposed legislation is considered controversial in Washington even though it requires presentation of voter ID in a manner very similar to the everyday use of identification when buying tickets or purchasing liquor, beer or wine.
Some Democrats have said that the legislation could be considered discriminatory because there are people who cannot obtain identification, but Republicans have countered that few people have trouble getting IDs, with the possible exception of immigrants who are in America illegally.
Joining Democrats to block the legislation was Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska.
Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C.had threatened to do all he could to block the bill, but did not vote