Voter identification; identification containing a photograph required to vote. (SB118)
Introduced By
Sen. Amanda Chase (R-Midlothian) with support from co-patron Sen. Frank Ruff (R-Clarksville)
Progress
✓ |
Introduced |
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Passed Committee |
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Passed House |
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Passed Senate |
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Signed by Governor |
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Became Law |
Description
Voter identification; identification containing a photograph required. Requires presentation of a form of identification containing a photograph in order to vote. The bill repeals the provisions of law permitting a voter who does not have one of the required forms of identification to vote after signing a statement, subject to felony penalties for false statements, that he is the named registered voter he claims to be. Instead, the bill provides that such voter is entitled to cast a provisional ballot. The bill requires the Department of Motor Vehicles to provide voter photo identification cards containing the voter's photograph and signature free of charge to those voters who do not have another valid form of identification. Read the Bill »
Status
01/18/2022: Incorporated into Another Bill
History
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| 01/07/2022 | Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/12/22 22101447D |
| 01/07/2022 | Referred to Committee on Privileges and Elections |
| 01/18/2022 | Incorporated by Privileges and Elections (SB127-Obenshain) (15-Y 0-N) (see vote tally) |
Comments
In the previous language of this statute there were references such that an individual had the option of "signing a statement…that he is the named registered voter he claims to be". All those references are struck out. My concern is what alternate method is available to a disadvantaged person to validate identity.
How does someone acquire a photo ID if they have no previous such? Do they take a birth certificate and a witness with them to assert who they are? What if any birth certificate they had was lost in a move or an eviction. Do they need some proof of address? What if they are living with relatives and there is no document with their name (rent, utilities, etc in the name of the primary family member)? The presence of a photo ID seems like an obvious positive, but how do they get one if they don't have one? My daughter had to sign a verification document when she took my granddaughter to get her learner's permit. There are many people who have never had a vehicle or a driver's license. What system could be put in place to assure that there was a valid procedure for obtaining a photo ID?