DENVER – A bi-partisan bill to make it easier for troops in combat areas to vote passed the state Senate unanimously on Friday, and will likely pass the House just as easily.

The measure would allow soldiers in action to get mail-in ballots by asking their officers to request one on their behalf, instead of having to file a written request. It also would permit veterans to use photo IDs to register to vote, instead of requiring a driver’s license. The bill’s Senate sponsor is Suzanne Williams, D-Aurora.

The bill would allow the Secretary of State’s office to use its budget to initiate the program, instead of relying on gifts, grants and donations.

“Anything we can do to make it easier for our troops in harm’s way to vote is a great thing,” said Senate Majority Leader John Morse, D-Colorado Springs.

Sen. Kent Lambert, R-Colorado Springs, said he had a friend in the Air Force in 2000 whose vote wasn’t counted, in large part because he was overseas and had to mail his ballot. Lambert, a former Air Force colonel, said, as Morse did, that the Legislature needs to take every possible step to help troops’ votes be counted.

“We should bend over backwards to help troops vote, especially when they’re serving in combat,” Lambert said.

The measure needs one final vote in the Senate and then will go to the House, where it’s sponsored by Rep. Marsha Looper, R-Calhan.

Keep up with the statehouse at the Second Reading blog.

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