COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- South Carolina voters would have to bring photo identification with them to polling places under a measure that has cleared the state Senate.

The contentious bill heads back to the House following its passage Wednesday in the Senate. The bill will likely end up in a conference committee to work out differences between the chambers.

South Carolina voters aren't required to have a photo ID when they vote now. Under the proposal, they would have to have some form of state or federal-issued ID with them starting in 2012.

Democrats had opposed the measure as potentially discriminatory.

They concended when Republicans agreed to extend the period during which people could vote early in person, and to allow people to get ID cards for free.

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