INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – An Indiana legislative committee has backed a proposal that would require the use of voter identification numbers for mail-in absentee ballots.

The Senate Elections Committee voted 5-4 Monday to advance the bill.

Sponsor Republican Sen. Mike Young of Indianapolis says requiring the identification number will help prevent instances of voter fraud. The number would be available via a state phone line and website.

A couple of senators who support the bill say it needs revisions. Republican Sen. Ron Alting of Lafayette joined committee Democrats in opposing the bill, saying he worried some people would decide it was too much trouble to vote.

The Senate Appropriations Committee will review the bill because of its potential $1.3 million cost.