Lawmakers Sound Off On New Voter ID Law
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A new state law that requires voters to have a photo ID at the polls, could impact thousands of Tennesseans who want a voice in the next big election. The law may not go into effect until the beginning of next year, but legislators are still split on the issue. Democrats are already planning to repeal it next legislative session. Many Republicans want the law to crack down on voter fraud. According to the Division of Elections, about 126,000 registered voters do not have photo driver’s licenses in Tennessee. But Rep. Jimmy Eldridge (R-Jackson) says not all of them will have to get photo IDs in order to vote. You are exempt if you vote by absentee ballot, live in a nursing home or assisted living facility, are hospitalized, have a religious objection to being photographed, or are indigent and unable to obtain a photo ID without paying a fee. State officials said the IDs are free and several county clerks are offering the photos, in addition to the DMVs. “We don’t want to make it difficult for anybody and I understand there are even groups out there that are beginning to rise up through churches or individual groups to go and help people that do not have a way to go get their photograph,” Eldridge said. He added that several driver service centers will be open on Saturdays. But Senator Lowe Finney (D-Jackson) said not all counties have DMVs or clerks participating, and voters will have to travel far to get a picture. “Not to mention the fact it’s going to take several pieces of documentation in order to qualify for the photo ID,” Finney said. “It just seems to be another burden, another hurdle for those people who have enjoyed that right for many years. Now they’re going to have to do more in order to continue voting.” Finney also claimed not all voters without photo IDs live in nursing homes or want to vote via absentee ballot. “When you look at the number of fraud prosecutions over the last number of years nationwide, out of 300 million voters, only 86 convictions over the last 10 years were over voter fraud,” Finney said. “So you’re looking at focusing on a very very small number of bad actors, but at the same time you’re putting a burden on hundreds of thousands of people.” If you would like more information about the new law, the Madison County Election Commission will be offering an information session November 1.
