Idaho voters who haven't been to the polls in a while may be surprised when they’re asked for photo identification. Idaho’s voter I-D law is only two years old and infrequent voters haven’t encountered it yet.
Everyone who wants to cast a vote in Idaho will be asked the same question.
“When you show up at the polls, you will be asked for photo identification, so don’t be surprised,” says Phil McGrane, Ada County’s Chief Deputy Clerk.
The law recognizes several forms of photo ID. They include:
- an Idaho driver’s license
- a photo ID card from the Idaho Transportation Department
- a U-S passport
- a federal photo ID card
- a tribal photo ID
- a current student photo ID, issued by an Idaho high school or university
But McGrane says not to panic if you don’t have one of these. You can still cast a ballot. “If you forgot your photo ID or don’t have a photo ID, you can complete a Personal Identification Affidavit as an alternative.”
The affidavit is a simple, one-page form. The voter is asked to provide their name and address and sign the form in front of an election judge.
Voters must chose to either show a photo ID or sign the affidavit, before they are allowed to vote.
Copyright 2012 Boise State Public Radio
