The state of Idaho is launching a campaign next month to remind voters that a new law require them to provide photo identification to cast their ballots.
State officials say billboard advertisements and public service announcements are intended to decrease confusion during the November general election.
About half of states require voters to show identification, but only Idaho and seven other states request photo ID, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
Idaho’s new voting law was tested in several county elections in August. While there were no reported problems, officials concede that it did slow things down somewhat.
In Idaho, poll workers must verify that the picture on the identification matches the voter. Those without identification, such as a valid driver’s license or passport, have to sign an affidavit attesting to their identity.
The Idaho law is modeled after a South Dakota law passed in 2003. During the first year the South Dakota law was enforced statewide, several voters complained they were turned away rather than being offered the option of signing an affidavit, a controversy Idaho is working to avoid.
County election workers in the Gem State are being cautioned against turning voters away if they don’t provide photo ID.
Out-of-state voters casting absentee ballots will not be required to provide photo identification. (AP)
