DAVID CRIGGER/BRISTOL HERALD COURIER
Voter ID legislation that was sitting on Governor McDonnell’s desk finally got a signature today. The law now requires that ID be shown to vote, while also expanding the types of documents that serve as acceptable ID. For any resident that appears at the polls without ID, a provisional ballot can be cast (for later verification).
Thanks to all of you for keeping up the pressure to get this done! This is another example of what you can do when you send a clear message of your expectations.
RICHMOND Va. –
Gov. Bob McDonnell has signed legislation requiring voters who do not present identification at the polls to cast provisional ballots, and directed the state board of elections to issue new voter ID cards to every voter in the state before Election Day.
Under House and Senate versions of the voter ID bills that passed this year’s General Assembly session, voters would have to subsequently provide identification to the board of elections if they want their vote to be counted.
Currently, those who show up at the polls without proper ID are allowed to vote normally after signing an affidavit swearing they’re a registered voter.
The legislation will now undergo review by the U.S. Justice Department. McDonnell had the option of either accepting the changes made or vetoing the bills.
McDonnell unsuccessfully sought to add a requirement to the bills that electoral board members compare the signature on a provisional ballot with the signature in a voter’s registration file to confirm identity and count the vote.
While that provision was rejected, both the House and Senate agreed with the governor’s recommendation to remove a provision in the bills that would allow voters without ID to cast a regular ballot if they are recognized by a poll worker.
The legislation also expands the forms of identification that voters can bring to the polls, to include a valid student ID from a state college or university, a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, or paycheck that shows the name and address of the voter.
