BUFFALO, N.Y. — Some state lawmakers like Sen. Patrick Gallivan have seen the threat of tampering and voter fraud during elections, and are responding by proposing a bill that would have voters in New York State show photo ID before they cast their ballot.

"Requiring ID at the voting booth seems like a simple step to me to help ensure the security of voting and prevent fraud," said Gallivan. 

New York would be the 33rd state to create some form of ID requirement for voting.

Opponents to the bill, like Erie County Democratic Committee Chair Jeremy Zellner, say there’s no proof of voter fraud in New York.

“There are a lot of other restrictions out there, enough already, that you do have to show identification the first time you vote, you can't just come to a polling place, never have voted before and not show ID. We already have that in place," said Zellner. 

Gallivan acknowledges that voter fraud isn’t a widespread issue locally, but showing ID is a simple safeguard just in case.

But Zellner believes the law would create an unnecessary barrier and would discourage voters.

“We have fought long and hard in this country to let minorities and women to be able to vote, poor people, rich people and we can’t go backwards, we won’t go backwards," said Zellner. 

"There was discriminatory actions that suppressed voting of certain ethnic groups and it's a shameful part of our history. But in this case we're very careful to make sure that doesn't happen," said Gallivan. 

The law wouldn’t turn away voters who show up without ID, but would have them fill out an affidavit ballot to be reviewed by the Board of Elections.

The bill is currently in committee.