Here are Virginia’s most recent voting requirements. Note, you will no longer be allowed to come in without ID and sign an affidavit.

Under the previous Virginia law, voting officials could require identification at the polls, but was it not required.  It was a felony to lie. This past year, the General Assembly passed legislation that requires all voters to present one of the following to vote: a voter registration card, social security card, a valid Virginia driver’s license or government ID, passport, valid Virginia student ID, employer photo ID, utility bill, bank statement, government check or paycheck that shows the voters name and address.

DOJ has blocked voter identification changes in several southern states, but cleared Virginia’s voting law changes this week.   Our law allows a broader number of documents to establish identity.

Everyone should have their new voter ID card from the State Board of Elections also.

I can’t think of a reason why anyone wouldn’t have one of those forms, regardless of how old or poor they are.   Perhaps I have overlooked something.

52 Thoughts to “Virginia’s Voter ID Requirements”

  1. SlowpokeRodriguez

    Does the form of ID have to have Obama’s logo on it, too?

  2. Cato the Elder

    Racist.

  3. Lyssa

    I’m going to use my Verizon bill. Maybe they will explain it to me. Why go to the expense of a voter card? If I live in MD and work in VA I can vote twice?

  4. SlowpokeRodriguez

    In Los Angeles, you just have to wear your gang colors.

  5. SlowpokeRodriguez

    Acceptable forms of ID in Philadelphia include: Louisville Slugger, Machete, or receipt for box of 9mm ammo.

  6. @Lyssa

    I don’t think that is possible. No one has ever figured out a verizon bill.

    Voter registration card is necessary so people will know their districts. Most people in Virginia got gerrymandered.

    I don’t recall mine having the state stuff on it. I am sure it did though.

  7. Elena

    Did you see the comments by Michael Steele, they were fabulous. Let me see if I can find the statement regarding republicans and voter ID requirements.

    Let me add, the state of VA seems very reasonable in regards to what is acceptable.

  8. IVAN

    It should be noted that by order of our Governor, the State Board of Elections has been told to mail out new voter registration cards to all Va. residents who are eligible to vote. This should clear up any confusion as to which district people are now in. That is of course, if they read the thing and vote.

  9. Elena

    I just took out paragraphs I thought were relevant to voting issues, but the entire article is really well thought out and it is a shame that the Republican Party treated Steele so shabbily. He is the kind of republican that needs a voice in the party.

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/31/michael-steele-voter-id_n_1847623.html?utm_hp_ref=elections-2012

    Steele also called the GOP’s approach to voter ID laws “one of bad optics and bad messaging,” which contributes to a sense among minorities that Republicans are antagonizing them, and consequently harms the GOP’s outreach efforts.

    “The way we have talked about it and the way we have, in some cases, bragged about it has been tone-deaf and irresponsible,” Steele said, referring to comments like those of Mike Turzai, a Republican lawmaker in Pennsylvania who said that the state’s voter ID law would help Mitt Romney carry the state in November. “Elections mean things, especially to the people who take the time to exercise their rights under the Constitution. When that’s undermined by frivolous laws or harmful laws, I think that’s harmful to the system.”

    “We should make sure that if we’re going to execute voter ID laws in this country, that we keep in mind the poor and we keep in mind those who [have obstacles to getting an ID],” he said, adding that having parents who vote can help children appreciate the electoral process.

    “Those are the three answers that can help us, once we stop the insensitive and offensive language on this subject, so that we can get to actually doing the things that will encourage people to vote and participate,” Steele said.

    Steele also said the party should not try to reach out to black voters on social issues, even when they agree, as many blacks who share those views still vote overwhelmingly for Democrats. “If you’re gonna play the culture-slash-values card, you’re going to get nowhere,” he warned. “That goes into a misunderstanding of the black community. A black child going hungry is not sitting there pining for a discourse on gay marriage, or hoping his belly will be filled because his mama and the Republican party are simpatico on abortion.”

    Instead, Steele suggested that the party should focus on economic issues and entrepreneurship. “It’s saying, ‘We built it, we branded it, we financed it, through a lot of blood, sweat and a whole lot of tears, and now it’s time for an R.O.I.’ — and that’s a return on investment,” he said.

    1. That is excellent, Elena.

      I think Michael Steele got so screwed by the republican party. He met his objectives. I think more than a few people were uncomfortable with him. (that was code)

  10. Lyssa

    Sorry I was referring to a work ID. How does that verify residency?

  11. Second Alamo

    Private club or membership? Really? I can see bogus clubs being formed as we speak. How about if you’re a member of Mexicans Without Borders?

    1. They might even let you join, SA. Mexicans without Borders. They are a valid group. It is a photo ID. You aren’t going to be voting if you aren’t already registered to vote?

      How about the NRA as a private club? Do they have picture ID memberships?

      Would that be acceptable to you?

  12. Elena

    Funny SA, how different we think! I immediately went to Country Clubs with lots of wealthy white people 🙂

  13. @Lyssa

    It has a picture of you on it and you are registered to vote.

  14. I honestly don’t think this law hurts anyone. Notice whether picture ID is required or if home address is required.

  15. Second Alamo

    I don’t think those ‘wealthy white people’ will be voting for ‘spread the wealth’ Obama this time around now that they know the wealth he was referring to is theirs.

  16. Elena

    SA,
    What does that have to do with voter ID laws? Obama has run on the same position he did the first time around. In fact, many people were pissed that he did not follow through on his campaign promise to end the cuts for the people in the upper income bracket. I know plenty of people in the upper income that knew exactly what they were voting for when the voted for Obama and they are planning on doing it again.

  17. Second Alamo

    Nothing, just making a point about ‘wealthy white people’ that’s all. Would you want to take more money from ‘wealthy brown people’ as well?

  18. Lyssa

    @Moon-howler
    Moon my work ID shows where I work not where I live.

    1. Does it have a picture on it? All it has to do is prove who you are.

  19. Emma

    Funny. My work ID says nothing about where I live–or where I work.

  20. Starryflights

    Make peace with it.@Second Alamo

  21. Elena

    Starryflights :

    Make peace with it.@Second Alamo

    LOLOL!!!!!!

  22. @Emma

    Does your work ID have YOUR picture on it? Does it have your name on it?

    If so, then it serves as an ID.

    Supposedly you are registered to vote.

  23. Lyssa

    But it doesn’t show residency as all the other form do. Isn’t that the point?

  24. Lyssa

    My verizon bill doesn’t have my photo. Neck they probably don’t realize I’m human. Just an account. A work ID doesn’t make sense to me. Been saying it all afternoon.

    1. It has your address on it and your name. verizon bill

      your work id has your picture on it along with a name.

      You will either be identified by your name and address or you will be identified by your name and picture.

      If you give a licence or passport, you can be identified by all three: name, address and picture.

      You are already resigsterd to vote. Your name and address is listed in the roll call of voters.

  25. Scout

    I still haven’t received anything from the Commonwealth after nearly 40 years of voting in this jurisdiction. I guess it doesn’t matter if I can take my Verizon bill to the polls.

    1. I guess so. I hope you know where to go to the polls. If you lived in PWC, it would be a real crap shoot. What was done to us should be illegal.

      Where is Ray B when we need him. I now vote for a congressional candidate who serves Williamsburg or something crazy like that.

      PWC was a political slice and dice like nothing I have ever seen before.

  26. Emma

    Picture, yes. Name, no. This is going to be interesting at the polls.@Moon-howler

    1. It doesn’t sound like a serious crackdown to me…but what do I know. I think it is just an attempt to have people verify who they say they are without being accused of anything that might attract DOJ. Remember Virginia just came out from that yoke, dating back to the 1950s.

      Actually, Virginia is one of the few states that hasn’t gotten dinged either by the courts or DOJ.

  27. Lyssa

    My work ID doesn’t have any dates, I can live anywhere and work for the government and I’m pretty sure Im not the only person in town with my name. Based on a few minutes research I could probably vote six times if I get there first. As mentioned, we’ll see.

    I do love private club membership. I can just give them my number as if I’m ordering a drink?

    1. Maybe you could have voted 6 times last year too. How many people are named you at your polling place where you are registered to vote?

      Think of those missed opportunities in the past!!!

  28. Emma

    I might create a private club. Do you want to join, Lyssa?

  29. Steve Randolph

    “The people who cast the votes don’t decide an election,
    the people who count the votes do.”

    Joseph Stalin

  30. Lyssa

    @Moon-howler

    There are more than one. I can only think of one other person named Moon – Moon Zappa. pretty sure she doesn’t live in Manassas. Besides how do you even know if you live in Manassas? People living in Ashland off 234 think they live in Manassas.

    It wouldn’t get you a library card. Some of those items are nuts. And work ID is one of them.

    Yes, a club sounds good. No fancy name just something like the 1100 Club. I like binary code.

  31. Emma

    I’m taking a page from Seinfeld and calling it “The Nothing Club”. The only purpose will be to issue club photo ID’s.

    Or maybe I should call it the “League of Illegal Immigrant Voters.” I’d love to see the look on the faces of the poll workers when I show up with that card.

    1. How would you have registered to vote? We have had such a rash of illegal immigrants voting. We have them lined up at Stonewall Middle 6 deep, all the way to Westgate apts.

      [sarcasm button activated]

  32. Lyssa

    Are the ballots in Spanish and English? How about we go to town hall and register. In person. With photo ID. Or at the library when the rolling registration van comes through. Plenty seem to make it there to use the Internet. We could suggest WalMart as a registration site…all the disenfranchised manage to get there. Just think a whole new line of photos of People of WalMart…

    What’s next? Free transportation to the polls? Oh, we’re not Chicago……

    1. You can get free transportation to the polls from both parties around here. If you are on the list you get called and ask if you need a ride if it starts getting late.

      You don’t have to go to Chicago.

  33. Emma

    @Moon-howler That’s not the point. I’m already registered. I just find it amusing that a private club or membership card is sufficient ID. It doesn’t seem to matter whether the club is real or not.

    1. @Emma,,Maybe there are more specifics other than what we see on the card. that seems a little loosey goosey to me. Maybe specific clubs? Kiwanis? Lions Club? Garfield Boosters Club?

  34. Lyssa

    Moon I think you should issue club cards.

  35. Emma

    I’ve been a Moonhowlings poster since the beginning of Anti-BVBL! I think that deserves a photo ID!

    1. I expect they wouldnt let you near the polls with those credentials. @Emma

  36. I wonder….can you use an ACORN ID to vote?

    1. snark alert!

      Probably an NRA card would do.

  37. SlowpokeRodriguez

    Hey, guess what you need to get into the DNC convention this week? An ID!!!

  38. Elena

    NRA card works in Texas but not a college ID, although, not sure if that actually stood the test of the courts!

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