Don’t be misled by change in voting procedure

Whether you like it or not. Whether it is a violation of federal law or not, the law, as it stands at the moment in Arkansas DOES allow polling place officials to ask for a photo identification prior to casting a ballot on Nov. 6.

Should you choose or fail to comply with the photo identification request, what happens?

Yes, you can still cast a ballot — a provisional ballot, but do not be surprised if you find that your ballot was not counted on election night.

Or maybe not counted at all, unless specific steps are taken by you to prove who you are with a photo identification.

The proper place to protest this new law is in the courtroom, far, far away from the polling places.

Many citizens are outraged, and justly so, at this new state requirement for casting a ballot.

Others of a differing political stripe are no so much as bothered by these new in-state requirements.

But arguing with the polling officials is not the place to vent your anger. This requirement was done back in the legislative session over a year ago.

Here are some tips as you head to the early voting or voting on Tuesday, Nov. 6 for the Mid-term elections.

Every voter shall verify his or her registration when voting by presenting a document or identification card that:

1. Shows the name of the person to whom the document or identification card was issued;

2. Shows a photograph of the person to whom the document or identification card was issued;

3. The card is issued by the United States, the State of Arkansas, or an accredited postsecondary educational institution in the State of Arkansas; and

4. If displaying an expiration date, is not expired or expired no more than four (4) years before the date of the election in which the voter seeks to vote.

Pretty simple. Pretty straight forward.

It is also pointed out by elected officials, those voters who do not possess a valid form of identification meeting the requirements described may obtain a free voter verification card at their local county clerk’s office.

But to obtain this voter verification card, voters will be required to complete an affidavit stating they do not possess such identification, and must provide documentation is containing their full legal name and date of birth, as well as documentation containing their name and residential address.

If you are a voter and need one of these cards contact your county clerk for information regarding acceptable forms.

Voting is a privilege. Remember to register to vote, one must:

• Be a citizen of the United

States

• Be an Arkansas resident (residing in Arkansas at least 30 days before the first election in which you will vote)

• Be age 18 or turn 18 on or before the next election

• Not be convicted of a felony without your sentence having been discharged or pardoned

• Not be presently adjudged as mentally incompetent as to your ability to vote by a court of competent jurisdiction.

A handy thing to remember before voting: if you have had an address change — if you are changing your residence to another county within the state — your updated registration must be received by the county clerk’s office in the new county no later than 4 days before a scheduled election.

Again, expect to be asked your name, address and date of birth at the polls, and asked to provide a photo identification.

That is, thanks to Act 633 of 2017.

So comply with the law, and vote a vote that counts on Nov. 6.

— Maylon Rice is a former journalist who worked for several northwest Arkansas publications. He can be reached via email at maylontrice@yahoo.com. The opinions expressed are those of the author.