A new voter photo identification law challenged in court has not caused a significant problem in Anderson County, Election Administrator Mark Stephens said Tuesday.
The new law, which went into effect this year, says registered voters in Tennessee have to show government-issued photo identification to cast ballots at polling places.
Supporters say it will help prevent voter fraud and make sure elections are fair and honest.
But critics have said the Tennessee law, like others across the country, could disenfranchise some voters, including minorities, elderly residents, and those who don’t have driver’s licenses.
In Anderson County, though, only one person cast a provisional ballot in the March primaries because she didn’t have proper ID, and no one had to do so during the early voting period that ended Saturday, Stephens said.
“That’s not been an issue,” he said.
The woman who cast a provisional ballot in March produced her identification within two days of the election, so her vote counted, Stephens said.
He said Anderson County Election Commission officials are informing poll workers of the proper procedures ahead of Thursday’s state and federal primaries and county general election.
“We don’t want to disenfranchise anybody,” Stephens said. “The law is to protect the integrity of the ballot.”
More information on the new voter ID law, including acceptable forms of ID, is available on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website.
In other election-related news, Stephens said the voting station in the Emory Valley precinct has moved from the Jefferson Middle School gymnasium to the school’s front lobby, about 100 feet away. The gym floor is being refinished, Stephens said.
He said there will be signs that guide voters to the new polling stations.
Tj says
I was overjoyed that I was asked twice for my picture ID when I voted last week.
Anyone who complains about the law is advocating voter fraud –pure and simple.
Rebel Yell says
What voter fraud? How many cases of voter fraud in TN have been identified to warrant a law change. Seems like a solution to a nonexistent problem.
Tj says
I really don’t have time to drown you in web pages and news stories.
Google it yourself. Literally hundreds of thousands last year.
Did I say Anderson County ?
Rebel Yell says
I did look it up before I commented. What are your sources? If I am mistaken, I would like to correct myself.
CN says
The absence of evidence of a problem is not evidence of the absence of a problem…
DP says
“The absence of evidence of a problem is not evidence of the absence of a problem…” That would not hold up in court. There should be proof before new laws are created. I am agreeing with Rebel, it is a solution to a non existence problem. However, due to anti poll tax laws, now TN is required to provide a Free ID to anyone that wants one. http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/11/tennessee_resident_testifies_its_tough_to_get_a_free_voter_id.php