Okay - you are already registered to vote in Virginia. All you need is your voter registration card at the polls this fall, right? WRONG.
On August 14, the Virginia Board of Elections, in the absence of the Democratic member, passed a new regulation requiring valid government photo ID in order to be allowed to vote. Lacking proper PHOTO identification, your vote will be cast as 'provisional.' Don't be caught without a photo ID by this ridiculous new law!
More details below the fold.
In the Washington Post last week, the decision by the Board of Elections was announced:
Inflaming a contentious debate over voter identification laws, the Virginia State Board of Elections decided this week that, to cast a ballot, voters will have to present a current photo ID or one that expired within the past year.
The Republican-controlled board voted 2 to 0 Wednesday — with the Democratic member absent — to narrow the definition of valid identification, a move that one board member said would streamline and simplify the rules.
“We believe it’s a compromise and gives people a reasonable grace period,” said Donald Palmer, who was appointed to the board by then-Gov. Robert F. McDonnell (R).
http://www.washingtonpost.com/...
Yes, restrictive voter ID laws have come to Virginia, only two weeks before special elections are being held in several places that are covered by the new rules.
Make sure you have a conforming ID! The old rules do not apply, and photo ID is required. See the chart linked
http://www.sbe.virginia.gov/...
Basically, a current passport or Virginia Driver's license will cover you. If you are a student in a Virginia college or university, that photo ID will cover you - as long as it is no more than 1 year expired. Look at the chart and make sure - credit cards, Social Security card are no longer considered proper ID.
This new regulation has the potential for disenfranchising thousands of voters who do not have recent government-issued ID or a driver's license.
For anyone who does not have a photo ID listed in the chart, voting rights advocates say a voter can obtain a FREE photo ID from any local registrar's office.
For more information, visit www.GotIDVirginia.org or call the election protection hotline at 1-866-687-8683 (OUR-VOTE).
And let your voting-age loved ones and friends know - the RULES HAVE CHANGED.