Voter ID Settlement details

Chandra writes

(1) All absentee ballots will be counted even if they do not include one of the required forms of identification, a driver's license number, or the last four digits of a social security number. This includes absentee
ballots that used the wrong number off the driver's license, i.e., photo number that is more prominent will be counted.

(2) Applicants for absentee ballots need only provide a driver's license number or social security number, even if they apply for the ballot in person. They do not need to provide one of the required forms of identification. Blackwell had tried to impose more onerous burdens on absentee voters in person.

(3) Voters who do not have one of the required forms of identification, but do have a social security number, can now cast a provisional ballot. They could not vote under the existing law. This included many homeless people and college students, who were in court with us yesterday.

(4) Voters who have a military identification with a social security number can show that identification and cast a provisional ballot. The statute had created an impossible rule that that military IDs have current addresses, which they do not.

(5) The test for whether a provisional ballot should be counted is clarified, making it highly likely now that provisional ballots will be counted.

(6) A utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or other government document will be "current" and acceptable if it is dated within one year before the election and shows the voter's name and current address. Voters who provide this identification can cast regular ballots. Blackwell's rule was six months.

(7) "Other government documents" are more specifically and broadly defined to include, for example, documents from public universities or colleges that show the voter's name and current address. Voters who provide this identification can cast regular ballots.

This sounds like a very good agreement. I'd like to hear Strickland and legislators talk about modifying HB3 to reflect this agreement.