Secretary Of State Issues Proposed Rules For Voter IDs

Secretary of State Mark Martin’s (R) office has distributed its first draft of the rules it is proposing to implement the controversial voter ID law approved in the recent legislative session.

Sen. Bryan King (R-Green Forest) was the lead sponsor on the bill that would require Arkansas voters to present a photo ID when they go to the polls.

Gov. Mike Beebe (D) vetoed the divisive measure citing constitutional and cost concerns, but Republican majorities in both legislative chambers quickly overturned his veto.

The proposed rules outline what information will be requested of voters seeking photo identification.

• Full legal name
• Residential street address where the applicant is registered to vote
• Date of Birth Gender, Height & Weight
• Eye and Hair Color

“The Application shall include an oath or affirmation that the applicant does not possess a card or document that would qualify as Proof of Identity as defined in these rules,” the proposal states. “The oath shall specifically include the definition of Proof of Identity. The applicant shall make his or her signature before a Notary Public and have the signature notarized.”

The rules further declare that each voter ID card shall include a color photograph of the voter without “sunglasses, hat, headgear or other device that disguises or otherwise conceals the face or head of the applicant.” There is an exception proposed for headgear or head coverings for medical and religious purposes.

The rules also highlight what constitutes proof of identity, replacement practices for lost cards, and how to handle changes of address if a voter moves.

The new law prescribes that the Secretary of State will provide the equipment, software and training needed for producing the voter ID cards to all 75 county clerks. The law goes into effect January 1, 2014.

You can read the full proposed rules document here.