The people of Lawrence will vote in Tuesday's Massachusetts primary. And once again, there likely will be allegations of voter fraud - that is, of people casting ballots who are not eligible to do so.

While there is little evidence of actual fraud taking place, many people believe it to be so. It is the city's duty to maintain confidence in the validity of its elections. That's why we support a proposal to require voters to present identification when voting.

Lawrence is home to a large number of recent immigrants, legal or otherwise, who are not eligible to vote because they are not yet citizens. That prompts charges at nearly every election that ballots have been cast fraudulently by those ineligible to vote or that one legitimate voter casts multiple ballots under different names.

State law requires only that a voter state his or her name and address before voting. But there is an effort afoot to require that voters in Lawrence present identification at the polls. The measure requires passage by the City Council then approval as a home-rule petition by the Legislature. The City Council passed such a measure in 2003, but the Legislature set it aside without a vote.

Legislators fell for the dubious argument pushed by opponents of voter ID plans: that identification requirements impose a burden on voters that disenfranchises the poor, the elderly and minority groups.

Requiring that voters prove they are who they say they are is no burden. It is basic to assuring that elections are free and fair.

Most states require voters to present some identification when they first register to vote. Twenty-five states require some form of ID at the polling place. The requirements vary. Some require photo IDs while others will accept other forms of identification such as a utility bill, a bank statement, a paycheck or the like.

Earlier this month the U.S. Supreme Court heard a case challenging Indiana's voter ID law, considered among the most restrictive in the country. Indiana requires a photo ID such as a driver's license or passport. But the state will issue free ID cards to any registered voter who requests one. Rather than suppressing the vote, turnout has increased in Indiana by 2 percent since the law was passed in 2005.

A voter ID ordinance should take into account the poor and elderly who may not have driver's licenses or passports. The measure should provide for free city-issued IDs. If those concerns are addressed, the proposal would do much to boost confidence in city elections.

The City Council should pass such a measure, and the Legislature should approve it. The Legislature would do well to consider applying such a law statewide.