Voter Identification is Critical

With recent changes to voter requirements, it's important to know what's required of you at the polls Tuesday in order to make sure your ballot is counted.

Here are some frequently asked questions about Arizona's voter identification requirement:

Why do I need to provide identification at the polls?

Arizona voters approved Proposition 200 in 2004, which requires identification to prevent voter fraud. Last month, the U.S. Supreme Court threw out an order by a federal appeals court blocking the state from enforcing the voter ID provisions of Proposition 200 while it is being challenged in court.

As a result, proper identification is required on Tuesday.

How many forms of ID do I need?

Depends on what kind of identification you have.

If you're talking government-issued photo ID, you only need one of the following, as long as it has the address where you're registered to vote:

A valid Arizona driver license or non-operating identification
A tribal enrollment card or other form of tribal identification
A valid U.S. federal, state or local government issued identification

What if I don't have an acceptable photo ID?

Two of the following forms of ID will suffice — but you must have two, and they must have your name and current address on them:

A utility bill dated within 90 days of the date of election. The bill can be for electric, gas, water, solid waste, sewer, telephone, cellular phone or cable television.
Bank or credit union statement that is dated within 90 days of the date of the election.
Valid Arizona vehicle registration.
Indian census card.
Property tax statement for the voter's residence.
Tribal enrollment card or other form of tribal identification.
Vehicle insurance card.
Valid U.S. federal, state, or local government issued identification.
Voter registration card/recorder's certificate.
Any official election material mailing bearing your name and address.

What about my passport or military ID? Doesn't that prove I'm a citizen and eligible to vote?

Those forms of identification may not have your current address. You need to show not just who you are, but that you live in the precinct, making you eligible to vote in that location.

What happens if I show up without the right identification?

Voters who do not provide the required ID will be given a provisional ballot, which will be sealed and held after they cast it. They will have five business days after Election Day to provide sufficient ID to the county recorder in order for that ballot to be counted.

Let's say I have the proper identification and the people working the polls give me a hard time?

Kevin Tyne of the Arizona Secretary of State's Office says: "Voter intimidation is a serious thing. To the extent people are intimidated, they shouldn't stand for that."

While each polling location has a chain of command, voters can also contact the secretary of state's help line: 1-877-THE-VOTE.

County Recorder F. Ann Rodriguez also recommended calling her office. The voter information line is 740-4330.

Where do I go with other election-related questions?

Contact the Pima County Recorder's Office. The Web site is recorder.co.pima.az.us; questions about voter IDs should be directed toward the Pima County Division of Elections, Rod-riguez said. The number is 740-4260.