EXCERPT

The Senate voted Thursday to give the federal government a bigger role in elections in the wake of the disputed Florida presidential vote two years ago and in addressing voter fraud.

The bill, passed on a 99-1 vote, would require states to check identifications of first-time voters and keep statewide registration lists. It also would send states $3.5 billion in federal grants to upgrade election equipment and procedures.

Full text can be found online at:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A31909-2002Apr11.html