DeKalb County Election Commission

Announcements

PHOTO I.D. LAW VIDEO NOW ONLINE

As part of an ongoing effort to bring awareness to Tennessee voters about a new law that will require them to show a state or federally issued photo identification at the polls starting next year, the Division of Elections has developed a town hall video that may be found on the division’s web page at http://www.GoVoteTn.com.

The video provides information about which forms of photo identification are acceptable and which are not. The video also explains the options available for those voters who do not have a state- or federally-issued photo ID.

The video release is following on the heels of voter outreach programs that were hosted by election officials in all 95 of Tennessee’s counties.

“We realize that not everyone will be able to attend a voter outreach event. Having the video on the web page allows people to get information about the law when it is convenient for them,” Coordinator of Elections Mark Goins said. “The law is simple. However, this is a new law and we want to make sure voters are aware of the requirement and the process in place to obtain a photo ID if a voter needs one.”

In addition to a link to the video, the division’s web page features a summary of the law, a PowerPoint presentation and frequently asked questions.

“We know informing voters about this law is a marathon, not a sprint,” Secretary of State Tre Hargett said. “We plan to continue our voter outreach efforts in the weeks and months ahead. By the time next year’s elections are held, all eligible voters will be aware of the new law and bring the required form of identification with them when they visit the polls."

The new law requires a state- or federally-issued photo ID with the voter’s name. Acceptable forms of photo identification includes Tennessee driver licenses, U.S. Passports, military identification cards, handgun carry permits, Department of Safety and Homeland Security photo IDs and any state or federally issued photo IDs with the exception of college student IDs. Voters who have questions regarding the law are encouraged to contact the Division of Elections office at 1-877-850-4959 or visit http://www.GoVoteTn.com.

PHOTO I.D. REQUIRED TO VOTE IN 2012

Beginning January 1, 2012, all voters must present an ID, meeting the requirements below, containing the voter's name and photograph, whether voting early or on Election Day. These requirements do not apply to elections in 2011.

WHAT FORM OF PHOTO ID DO I NEED TO BRING?
Tennessee driver's license with your photo; or United States Passport; or Department of Safety photo ID; or Photo ID issued by the federal or state government; or United States Military photo ID; or Gun permit card with your photo.

WHAT FORMS OF ID ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE?
A college photo ID or a photo ID not issued by the federal or state government.

WHO IS EXEMPT?
Voters who vote absentee by mail (view requirements to vote absentee at http://www.tn.gov/sos/election/bymail.htm) ; voters who are residents in a licensed nursing home or assited living center and who vote at the facility; voters who are hospitalized; voters with a religious objection to being photographed; and voters who are indigent and unable to obtain a photo ID without paying a fee.

WHAT IF I DO NOT BRING A PHOTO ID TO THE POLLING PLACE?
If you do not bring a photo ID and you are not exempt (see above exemptions), you must vote a provisional ballot.
You will then have two (2) business days after the election to return to the county election commission office to show a valid photo ID.

WHAT IF I DON'T HAVE A PHOTO ID?
You may obtain a free photo ID from the Tennessee Department of Safety.

For Citizens Without Government-Issued Photo IDs

• Under the new voter ID law, in order to get a photo ID for voting purposes, voters must show the following documentation to a Driver Service Center examiner:

o Proof of being a registered voter (a voter registration card);
o Proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate); and
o Two proofs of Tennessee residency (such as a copy of a utility bill, vehicle registration/title, or bank statement).
• It is very important to bring these documents to the Driver Service Center. Under the law, you cannot be issued a photo ID without each of these required items. (If you do not have a birth certificate, ask to speak to a Driver Service Center manager who will work with you to identify possible other documentation to prove citizenship).

• For a photo ID, each applicant must also sign an affidavit under penalty of perjury stating that he or she does not have a valid government-issued photo ID for voting purposes.

For Citizens With Non-Photo Driver Licenses

• Any citizen who currently holds a non-photo Tennessee driver license may elect to simply get a photo driver license rather than a separate photo ID.
• If a citizen presents a voter registration card, and the citizen is only seeking to obtain a photo on the driver license, there will be no fee for this service.

To help reduce the wait time for voters who need government-issued photo IDs, these citizens will be placed in an "express service" category when entering a Driver Service Center. Please tell the employee greeting customers that you are at the center for a government-issued photo ID for voting purposes.

Remember, please notify your county election commission if your residence changes.

INTERESTED IN BECOMING AN ELECTION WORKER?

For more information please click on "RECRUITMENT GUIDE" in the menu on the left side of this page OR call 597-4146.

VOTING SYSTEM INSTRUCTIONS AND VIDEO DEMONSTRATIONS

Voting system instructions and video demos are available at
www.state.tn.us/sos/election/voting_systems/index.htm