Virginians don’t need a photo ID to vote, yet

WASHINGTON – Virginians going to the polls Tuesday will need to bring along some form of identification, but it doesn’t have to be a photo ID. The state’s new photo ID law doesn’t take effect until July 2014.

“Your driver’s license, military ID, you can even use your voter registration card,” says Donald Palmer, secretary of the Virginia State Board of Elections.

“You can also use a student ID issued by any institution of higher education here in the commonwealth, you can use a utility bill or a bank statement that has the name and address of the voter and you can use a Social Security card, if you have that,” Palmer adds.

Even a Virginia handgun permit can serve as identification.

Anyone without proper identification at the polls can still vote by casting a provisional ballot.

“It gives the individual a couple of days to get an ID to the election office,” Palmer says.

Polls will be open across the state from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m. If you’re in line at 7 p.m., Palmer says the polling place should not close until you’ve voted.

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