Backers of a plan to require photo identification to vote in Maine elections collected more than 170,000 signatures to put the question on the ballot this year. The group Voter ID for Maine submitted the signed petitions on Monday to Secretary of State Shenna Bellows' office for review and certification,

You will soon have to show a picture ID to vote in Maine if one conservative group gets its way. Organizers turned in what they say are more than 170,000 signatures, more than is required to force a state-wide vote on the issue.

According to those at the gathering, 170,000 signatures from all 16 counties, more than double the required amount, were submitted with hopes of getting the citizen-led bill onto the ballot.

The Star-Spangled Banner rang through the halls of the State House Monday afternoon as volunteers from the Voter ID for ME campaign sang as they carried more than a dozen boxes full of petition signatures to the Maine Secretary of State’s office.

Organizers of the petition drive have said they have far more signatures than the minimum number required to force a statewide vote.

Dozens of supporters for voter ID gathered in Augusta on Monday to turn in nearly 200,000 signatures with the goal of putting this citizens' referendum on the ballot. "Maine citizens have stepped up and said voter ID is what we want to see,

While supporters say the measure will strengthen faith in democracy, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows and others share concerns.