Texas Mandatory Requirements for Identification at the Polls

Starting January 1, 2012 Texas voters will be required to show a photo ID in order to cast a ballot. Acceptable ID: A drivers license, an election identification certificate (free ID provided by DPS to eligible applicants), a personal identification card (DPS non-driver), a military identification card, a United States Citizenship certificate with a picture, a U.S. Passport, or a concealed handgun license. Expiration Date: Each of these documents must be unexpired (60 day grace period). Free ID: DPS will issue a free election identification certificate to a registered or eligible voter that does not expire if the applicant is over 70. To get a state election id certificate, the applicant must show the documents necessary to obtain a standard TX Drivers License or personal identification card. Unacceptable IDs include birth certificates, student IDs, utility bills, official correspondence, court documents, private and state employment IDs, and tribal cards. Exceptions: Disability exemption if the individual provides documentation at the time of registration that they receive social security benefits on the basis of a disability or have a veterans disability rating of at least 50% If the voters name on the identification is similar but does match exactly, the voter must submit an affidavit stating that the voter is the person on the list of registered voters. If the voter executes an affidavit that the voter has a consistent religious objection to being photographed or the voter does not have identification as result of a natural disaster declared by the President or the Governor within 45 days of the ballot being cast. No exceptions for elderly, Native Americans, stolen identification or students. Cure Period: Any voter who does not have the required ID on Election Day can cast a provisional ballot, but must show an acceptable ID to the registrar within 6 days of the election by presenting the identification or executing an affidavit in the presence of the voter registrar for the ballot to count. People most likely affected by new photo id requirements: An individual ineligible to get identification from DPS because of a lack of documentation. A naturalized citizen with a naturalization certificate that has no picture. A citizen without a certificate i.e. became a citizen by operation of law. A rural resident that lacks the required identification and does not have reasonable access to a DPS office. A new out of state resident that is unable to a get a TX ID before Election Day. Please contact Luis Figueroa LFigueroa@maldef.org or Jannell Robles JRobles@maldef.org at 210-224-5476 if you or someone you know may have their ability to vote affected by the new Voter ID law.