News : Iowa voters can expect changes in ID procedures in future election

The voters who participated in the September school board elections received a small flier informing them of future changes to Iowa voter ID requirements. "We were asked to share that information so people can start to be aware of the changes that are coming says Auditor Hayley Rippel. The changes are meant to take place gradually, so voters who do not have the required ID have time to obtain one and become familiar with the new requirements. According to the Iowa Secretary of States' Office, voter ID will be required after Jan. 2 2018. Those who don't produce a photo ID at the polls will e required to sign an oath verifying their identity, but will be allowed to cast a regular ballot. Then, beginning January 1, 2019, Iowa voters will be required to show a driver's license, non-driver's ID, passport, military ID, veterans ID, or Voter ID Card at the polls before they vote. Any registered voter who does not have an ID issued by the Iowa Department of Transportation will be issued a Voter ID Card for free, automatically, in the mail. This also applies to anyone who registers to vote in the future. Upon receipt of the Voter ID Card in the mail, it should be immediately signed and placed in the voter's purse or wallet, and taken with them to vote. Obtaining the Voter ID Card does not require any further documentation or action by the voter. Voters simply need to be registered, and take their new Voter ID Card to the polls when they vote. In recent elections, county poll workers have asked voters if they have their driver's license, but have not required it. Scanning a license makes signing in quicker and more efficient; many voters willingly chose this offer. See more information from the Iowa Secretary of State's Office HERE.   What's new for elections that is happening now? Voter ID will not be required until January 1, 2018. However, here is a list of minor changes that will be in place as of July 1, 2017: - Voters who are not registered to vote in the precinct where they live will need to provide proof of residence, as well as identification, when they vote at the polling place. - Attesters who vouch for persons registering and voting on Election Day must show an ID to verify they live in the precinct where the new voter is casting a ballot. Voters who register and vote on Election Day must show proof of residency that is current within 45 days. Acceptable forms include a current lease, utility bill, etc. - Voters who register and vote on Election Day at polling places that do not have electronic pollbooks will cast provisional ballots. These voters do not have to return to the auditor's office with additional documentation after they cast their ballots When do voters have to start showing ID at the polls? During calendar year 2018 voters will be asked to show their ID before voting at the polls. Anyone who does not have the necessary ID will be asked to sign an oath verifying their identity, and will be allowed to cast a regular ballot. Beginning January 1, 2019, Iowa voters will be required to show a driver's license, non-driver's ID, passport, military ID, veterans ID, or Voter ID Card at the polls before they vote. What about voters who don't have an ID? Any registered voter who does not have an ID issued by the Iowa Department of Transportation will be issued a Voter ID Card for free, automatically, in the mail. This also applies to anyone who registers to vote in the future. Upon receipt of the Voter ID Card in the mail, it should be immediately signed and placed in the voter's purse or wallet, and taken with them to vote. Obtaining the Voter ID Card does not require any further documentation or action by the voter. Voters simply need to be registered, and take their new Voter ID Card to the polls when they vote. Is ID required for absentee ballots? YES. Beginning January 1, 2018, voters requesting absentee ballots will be required to include their driver's license/non-driver's ID numbers on their request form. Voters receiving the Voter ID Card will be required to include their card's PIN number on the absentee ballot request form. How does this law affect voter registration? This law does not affect Iowa's voter registration process. There are still multiple ways to register to vote, including at the polls on Election Day, and online. Voters registering on Election Day still need to bring a picture ID and proof of residency in the precinct, like a utility bill. This has not been changed from previous elections. PAUL D. PATE SECRETARY OF STATE LUCAS BUILDING DES MOINES, IOWA 50319 Phone 515-281-5204 Fax 515-242-5953 sos.iowa.gov sos@sos.iowa.gov How will signature verification work? This new law enables precinct election officials to challenge a voter if they believe the voter is not the person depicted on the identification card; a signature that does not match the signature on the ID is one component of that review. Poll workers will be instructed to NOT r