First election under new Tennessee photo I.D. law a success
All voters must now show valid photo I.D. in order to cast ballot
—Driver's license with a photo
—United States passport
—Photo I.D. issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security
—Photo I.D. issued by the federal or any state government
—United States military photo I.D.
—Gun permit with a photo
Waynesboro, Tenn., resident Kimberly Beckham was the first person in Tennessee to cast a ballot under the provisions of the state’s new photo I.D. law.
Waynesboro made history Tuesday by holding the first election since Tennessee’s voter photo identification law went into effect.
Although there are some exceptions, the law generally requires voters to show valid photo identification before casting their ballots. The purpose of the new law, which took effect Jan. 1, is to safeguard against a type of election fraud known as voter impersonation.
In all, 354 voters cast ballots in the Waynesboro city election, including 37 who voted absentee.
As expected, there were no problems related to the implementation of the new law.
"The successful election in Waynesboro demonstrates the hard work election officials have put forth in implementing the law,” Secretary of State Tre Hargett said. “Most people understand why it’s important that poll workers be sure that the people casting ballots are who they say they are. And most voters don’t mind showing photo I.D., as they must do in order to perform many tasks in everyday life. I commend Wayne County election officials for their hard work in making this election such a success.”
The first statewide election under the photo I.D. law will be the March 6 presidential primary.
Voters who forget to bring photo identifications to the polls can cast provisional ballots, then go to their county election commission offices within two business days with proper proof of identity.
Student identifications are not acceptable.
Photo I.D. is not required for people who vote absentee or who are voting from a hospital, nursing home or assisted living facility. People who are unable to afford the cost of obtaining a photo I.D. or who have religious objections to being photographed are exempt from the law.
For questions about the law, click here or call 1-877-850-4959.
