Voter ID: You must say it, show it, sign it

Now that Wisconsin voters are required to bring photo identification to the polls, the state Government Accountability Board, which oversees elections, is asking people to be prepared or risk getting turned away.

The agency also reminds people to bring their patience in addition to their IDs, because next Tuesday’s primary is the first election since the new law took affect and not everyone will be prepared for the changes.

Working in favor of voters concerned about delays – at least for Tuesday’s primary – is the fact races are scattered and a relatively light turnout is expected.

The GAB has launched a new website (http://bringit.wisconsin.gov) in an attempt to educate voters regarding the new voting procedures.

So what should voters expect? According to the GAB, they’ll be required to say their name, show their ID and sign the poll book, with narrow exceptions.

Here’s a look at those three requirements:

Say it

As in the past, you’ll need to state your full name and address for the election official who checks you in. He or she will check your information in the poll book.  Understandably, some people are uneasy about announcing their name in public, but it is the law, and it helps ensure openness in elections, according to election officials.

Show it

Then it’s time to show your photo ID. That way, poll workers can compare your face to your photo and confirm that it’s really you. (Acceptable forms of ID are mentioned later in this story.)

The address on your ID doesn’t have to be current. And the name on your ID doesn’t need to be an exact match for your name in the poll book. (Roberts who go by Bob and Susans who go by Sue, can relax). Your ID must reasonably look like you, even if you’ve colored your hair, shaved your beard or lost some weight.

Sign it

Finally, you’ll have to sign the poll book (unless a physical disability prevents it). Your signature or mark should go right next to your name and address.

Then you’ll be given your ballot and, if needed, instructions to complete the voting process.

Which IDs are valid?

Acceptable forms of ID include:

• A Wisconsin Department of Transportation-issued driver license, even if driving privileges are revoked or suspended.

• A Wisconsin DOT-issued identification card.

• A Military ID card issued by a U.S. uniformed service.

• A U.S. passport.

• A certificate of naturalization that was issued not earlier than two years before the date of an election at which it is presented.

• An unexpired driving receipt issued by Wisconsin DOT.

• An unexpired identification card receipt issued by Wisconsin DOT.

• An identification card issued by a federally recognized Indian tribe in Wisconsin.

• An unexpired photo identification card issued by a Wisconsin-accredited university or college that contains: the date of issuance; signature of student; and an expiration date not later than two years after date of issuance.

That state requires the DOT to provide free ID cards to anyone at least 18 years of age who requests a free ID for the purpose of voting. The regular fee is $28. Those who already have a DOT-issued drivers license are not eligible to obtain a free state ID card and do not need it to vote.

Depending on your access to a Department of Motor Vehicles licensing facility and the hours available, those who need state-issued IDs may have to scramble to get them by Tuesday.

Additional info

Other changes in state voting laws include:

• The residency requirement is now 28 consecutive days, rather than 10.

• An elector can no longer use a corroborating witness to verify residency.

• In-person absentee voting begins the third Monday before the election and ends at 5 p.m. or the close of business the Friday before the election.

• Regular absentee voters requesting a ballot by mail must provide a copy of their photo ID with their absentee ballot request. Once photo ID is provided, the voter no longer has to provide proof of ID with any absentee their ballots, until they re-register (their name or address changes).

• Regular absentee voters requesting a ballot by email or fax may provide a copy of their photo ID with their absentee ballot request, but are not required to. If a copy of their photo ID is not provided with the absentee ballot request, these voters must provide a copy of their photo ID with their returned absentee ballot.

For additional information on the Photo ID Law, visit the GAB Website at http://gab.wi.gov.