ID at polls?

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

Is it part of Virginia law to be asked for ID at the polls? I was asked when I voted in our last local election and I just wondered.

[FSogol]

1. Yes, you either have to have your voter registration card or picture ID.

Its been that way for 4-6 years, iirc.

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

2. Thanks for answering.

Are you saying it is in fact the law? When she (the poll worker) asked, she said only "Photo Id?" and didn't indicate that I could have shown my voter registration card. I really don't have an issue with this and in fact I think there SHOULD be something shown in order to vote. I just wanted to know the actual law. Why is showing identification such a large issue to some people?

[FSogol]

3. From the registar:

Virginia voters are reminded that legislation adopted by the 2000 Virginia General Assembly requires them to provide identification (ID) at the polls (or to sign an Affirmation of Identity) in order to vote.

Acceptable forms of identification include the following:

* Virginia Voter Information Card
* Virginia driver's license or special identification card issued by the DMV
* Valid United States passport
* Military ID card
* Any Federal, state or local government-issued ID card
* Employer-issued photo ID card
* Social Security card

A voter who fails to bring acceptable ID to the polls may still vote after signing, under oath, an Affirmation of Identity, which is the voter's certification in writing that the name and address information provided to the election officials at the polling place is correct.