Voter ID Requirements in Virginia

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ATTENTION Registered Voters....Virginia voters are reminded that federal and state law require all voters to provide some identification (ID) at the polls, or sign a statement, in order to vote at the polls. ID requirements may also apply to absentee voters who vote in person. You can check the status of your voter registration and determine which ID requirement applies to you through our website, http://www.sbe.virginia.gov at the tabs for Voter Information, Voter Registration Status. If you need assistance, please call us toll free at 1 (800) 552-9745 or Richmond local (804) 864-8901.

Special Federal ID Requirements for Certain First Time Voters
For persons who registered to vote in Virginia by mail, federal law requires them to show identification (ID) when voting for the first time in a federal election if they did not send a copy of one of these IDs with their voter registration applications. Voters subject to this special ID requirement will have the phrase "First-time Federal" after the “ID Required” item in their on-line voter registration record. Any of the following types of ID are acceptable:

1. A current and valid photo ID (for example a driver’s license);
2. or a current utility bill, bank statement, government check or paycheck that shows name and address;
3. or another government document that shows name and address (for example a voter card).

This federal ID requirement applies the first time a person votes in any federal election, either on the day of the election or by absentee ballot. If the voter does not present one of these forms of ID at the polls, that person can still vote, but must cast a provisional ballot that includes a voter information statement under felony penalty. This is a paper ballot that the local electoral board may count the day after the election, if it can verify the person was qualified to vote in that precinct. Such persons have the right to appear before the Electoral Board and can request an extension up to one day to present evidence.

When the person votes in other elections after his or her first federal election, regular Virginia ID requirements will apply, as to all other voters.

Regular Virginia ID Requirements for All Other Voters
Virginia law requires all other voters to provide identification (ID) at the polls, or sign an Affirmation of Identity under felony penalty, in order to vote at the polls. This ID requirement also applies to absentee voters who vote in person. Voters subject to this regular ID requirement will have the word “State” after the “ID Required” item in their on-line voter registration record.

Acceptable forms of identification include the following:

• Virginia voter identification card
• Valid Virginia driver's license
• Military ID
• Any Federal, state or local government-issued ID
• Employer issued photo ID card
• Social Security card

Any voter who forgets to bring acceptable ID to the polls may still vote but, will be requested to sign, under oath, an Affirmation of Identity form affirming that he/she is the voter he/she claims to be. A voter who requires assistance to vote by reason of physical disability or an inability to read or write may, if he so requests, also be assisted in completing this statement.