Voters in six states are deciding on measures related to voter identification on November 3, with proposals to introduce or expand ID requirements appearing on ballots across the country. Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, North Carolina and Ohio are considering measures to establish or expand voter ID requirements. The proposals differ in scope, with some seeking to require photo identification at polling places, while others would introduce additional verification requirements for mail-in ballots.
The White House has made voter identification laws a prominent issue this election cycle, promoting federal measures such as requiring proof of citizenship to vote. However, its proposals have faced legal challenges as the U.S. Constitution gives states and Congress responsibility over administering elections, not the president.
Here is what voters in each state are being asked to decide. Arizona voters are considering Proposition 144, a proposed constitutional amendment that would require voters to provide government-issued identification when voting in person or by mail. The measure also addresses citizenship requirements for voter registration, foreign contributions to elections and voters' ability to have ballots tabulated at their voting locations on Election Day.
Proposition 39 would require voters to present government-issued identification when voting in person or provide the last four digits of a government-issued identification number when submitting a mail-in ballot. Currently, California does not usually require voters to show identification before casting a ballot. Amendment 84 would introduce additional identification requirements for mail-in voting.
Voters returning mail ballots would need to provide a signature and either a state identification number meeting federal REAL ID requirements or a Social Security number. Nevada's Question 7 would require voters to present photo identification when voting in person. Those voting by mail would need to verify their identity using the last four digits of their driver's license or Social Security number, or an identification number provided by their county clerk.
North Carolina voters are being asked to approve a constitutional amendment requiring photo identification for voting, including for those casting ballots in person or by mail. Previously, the requirement applied only to voters casting their ballots in person. Ohio's Issue 3 would amend the state constitution to require voters to present approved government-issued photo identification when voting in person.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
