The South Carolina Senate approved a bill requiring voters show a photo identification in order to cast an election ballot.

The bill requires voters show a S.C. drivers license, S.C.-issued ID card, federal military ID or a passport at polling places. The bill would not allow use of college, expired or other government-issue forms of ID. Democrats argued the bill would provide an unnecessary hurdle for voters, some of whom would find it difficult or expensive to obtain a proper identification. In a statement, Senate Democratic leadership asked the federal Department of Justice to challenge the law in court.

The bill heads to Gov. Nikki Haley for her signature or veto. She has previously indicated a preference for the House version of the legislation, which is what the Senate adopted.

-- John O’Connor