Elections are next Tuesday, November 2. Idaho changed the law so now you need proof to bring with you to the voting booth. The notice reprinted below came from David Irwin, Director of Communication & Government Affairs of AARP Idaho.
As of July 1st, 2010 there is a new law in Idaho that concerns voting and providing identification at the polls on Election Day and for absentee voting. There seems to be much confusion about the new law. So, hopefully, this will answer a few questions and provide some clarification over what the law means for you, your family, neighbors and all voters in Idaho.
The new law implements a requirement that those citizens who are registered to vote in Idaho show identification prior to doing so (both on Election Day and for those voting at absentee polling locations), for those who are registered and don’t have an ID (a group who haven’t been required to show ID in the past) they will be able to sign an affidavit, stating that they are who [sic] say they are, the poll workers will check and see who is registered and who is not – those who aren’t can’t vote.
Anyone who makes a false statement or falsely signs an affidavit will face felony charges. The law was introduced and shepherded through the Idaho State Legislature this year and passed both houses with an overwhelming majority. Voting in Idaho is only for US citizens who are registered to vote – In the past Idaho voters have not been required to show ID at the polls, the new law contains changes to that.
Please share this information with your friends and family who may be affected. We’re simply working to make people aware of the new law. For more information please visit: http://www.idahovotes.gov/voter_id.htm. See below for the text of the new law.
TITLE 34
ELECTIONS
CHAPTER 11
CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS
34-1113 . Identification at the polls. All voters shall be required to provide personal identification before voting at the polls or at absent electors polling places as required by section 34-1006, Idaho Code. The personal identification that may be presented shall be one of the following:
(1) An Idaho driver’s license or identification card issued by the Idaho transportation department;
(2) A passport or an identification card, including a photograph, issued by an agency of the United States government;
(3) A tribal identification card, including a photograph; or
(4) A current student identification card, including a photograph, issued by a high school or an accredited institution of higher education, including a university, college or technical school, located within the state of Idaho.
TITLE 34
ELECTIONS
CHAPTER 11
CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS
34-1114. Affidavit in lieu of personal identification. If a voter is not able to present personal identification as required in section 34-1113, Idaho Code, the voter may complete an affidavit in lieu of the personal identification. The affidavit shall be on a form prescribed by the secretary of state and shall require the voter to provide the voter’s name and address. The voter shall sign the affidavit. Any person who knowingly provides false, erroneous or inaccurate information on such affidavit shall be guilty of a felony.
I always enjoy going to vote on Tuesday and waking up Wednesday to the beginning of a new legislative phase with a different combination of legislators.
P.S. Happy Halloween! I celebrate by baking a pumpkin stuffed with meat, dried fruit and onions to share with friends. Yum
