Native groups like the National Congress of American Indians are mobilizing Indian voters like never before; they are counting on them to make the difference they know they can make. But before they go to polls next week, they need to know what they must have on hand and show poll workers before casting their ballots — we’re talking about identification.
Since the passage of the Help American Vote Act in 2002, the number of states that require voters to show a photo or non-photo ID has doubled from 11 to 25, according to the Pew's Center on the States. Seven states now require voters to present a government-issued photo ID. They include Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan and South Dakota. Another six have legislation pending that would impose the same requirement.
According to the Center for American Progress, some 20 million Americans do not have a driver’s license. These are generally disabled people, elders, impoverished Americans and folks living in metro areas that have mass transit systems. Minorities, including Native Americans, are also among the do-nots.
Some states will accept a tribal photo ID. If the voter does not have an acceptable photo ID, then other identifying documents, such as a utility bill or bank statement, should do.
When identification documents do not meet the poll worker’s muster and the voter is, indeed, eligible to vote, then provisional ballots are usually available. Though rules vary from state to state, these ballots ensure that no one gets turned away.
Use the Vote411.org widget in the sidebar to learn more about your state’s ID requirements.
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