Bill requiring stricter voter photo ID clears West Virginia Senate
The Senate approved a bill that would tighten laws on acceptable forms of photo identification that can be used at West Virginia polling places.
The GOP-backed measure, House Bill 3016, is meant to address voter fraud and bolster secure elections. In a state with abysmal voter turnout, opponents of the bill worry it would make it harder for West Virginia residents, particularly older residents, to vote on Election Day.
The bill would require a photo ID — typically a driver's license, passport or a resident identification card — to vote in-person. It would eliminate several current options accepted at polling places that can validate identity, including a Medicaid card and utility bill.
It passed the Senate on Friday with a vote of 32-2.
Sen. Mike Woelfel, D-Cabell, and Sen. Joey Garcia, D-Marion — the Senate's two Democratic Senators — were the two no votes on the measure.
The measure permits voters 65 and older to use an expired ID, including an expired driver's license, as long as it was valid on their 65th birthday. Additionally, poll workers may allow a voter, whom the poll worker has known for at least six months, to vote without presenting a valid ID.
West Virginia residents can request a voter registration card with a photo free of charge from a county clerk's office.
The House of Delegates approved the legislation on March 28.
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