Leaders from different faiths groups gathered at the Capitol on Tuesday to voice their opposition to a proposed constitutional amendment that would require voters to have a photo ID.

Close to 20 Twin Cities area religious leaders delivered a letter to state House and Senate leaders, which outlines the reasons why they believe such an amendment is a bad idea.

The proposed voter ID "seeks to reduce the number of people who participate in our democracy. Passage of the proposed referendum would primarily reduce voters of color, the elderly, students, poor and non-English-speaking voters," according to the letter, which was signed by close to 75 religious leaders and dozens of others involved in the Twin Cities faith community.

"Effectively, this gives more influence to a smaller number of wealthy, privileged and primarily white voters," the letter states.

Several faith leaders spoke during a news conference at the Capitol, expressing their disapproval for the proposal.

"It's a major step back," said Richard Chase, board president for the group Jewish Community Action. "This amendment discriminates against the poor and elderly. Making voting harder makes no sense."

Republicans have introduced the photo ID concept as a constitutional amendment and believe they have the votes to put it on the November general election ballot. It would likely go into effect in the 2014 general election, if approved by voters.

State Rep. Mary Kiffmeyer, R-Big Lake, and Sen. Scott Newman, R-Hutchinson, have introduced the photo ID as a proposed constitutional amendment. Kiffmeyer argues requiring voters to show a photo ID will discourage fraud at the polls. She also believes elderly and other groups will not be disenfranchised with a photo ID requirement.

"It doesn't disallow anything," Kiffmeyer told the Star Tribune on Tuesday. "What it adds is a photo ID requirement. This is not an undue burden to have this requirement. I think we need to add a greater level of integrity to the voting process. It will strengthen the election system here in Minnesota."

Here's a copy of the letter delivered to legislative leaders: