RICHMOND, Va (WTVR) – As many as 5 million Americans could be turned away from the polls in November’s elections because they don’t have the identification required by new laws in several states, including Virginia–this, according to a study from the Brennan Center for Justice, a non-partisan group
But the commonwealth’s State Board of Elections is taking steps to make sure Virginians are ready and able to vote this fall.
Officials say the board has launched a campaign called: “Are You Election Ready.” The initiative will use public service announcements, social media, among other methods, to spread the word about changes to the state’s voting laws.
The board will also mail new voter registration cards all of Virginia’s more than4.7 registered voters.
Last month Governor Bob McDonnell signed the controversial voter id bill into law. Supporters say it’s aimed at combating voting fraud. Opponents claim it will keep minorities and the elderly from voting.
The law requires Virginians to bring identification with them to the polls, or they will only be able to cast a provisional ballot that wouldn’t be counted until they later bring proof of identification to their registrar.
But even without a Virginia driver’s license or state issued form of identification, the new law will allow you prove who you are by showing the following:
- Virginia voter registration card
- Social Security card
- Valid Virginia driver’s license
- Any other identification card issued by an agency of the Commonwealth, one of its political subdivisions, or the United States
- Any valid student identification card issued by a Virginia institution of higher education
- A valid identification card issued by an employer containing a photograph of the voter
- A copy of a bank statement
- A government check
- A paycheck that shows the name and address of the voter
- A copy of a current utility bill
