Iowa’s new ID requirements

Howard County - The following are questions and answers about the new voter identification requirements.

• When do voters start showing ID at the polls?

During 2018, registered voters will be asked to show their ID before voting at the polls. Anyone who does not have their ID will be asked to sign an oath verifying their identity and will be allowed to cast a regular ballot.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2019, Iowa voters will be required to show a driver’s license, non-operator’s ID, passport, military ID, veterans ID, or voter ID card at the polls before they vote. Voters without an ID may cast a provisional ballot or have another registered voter attest to their identification.

• What about voters who don’t have an ID?

Registered voters who do not have an Iowa driver’s license or a non-operator’s ID will be issued a voter ID card for free, automatically. Voter ID cards must be signed before going to the polls. Voter ID cards will start being mailed in December of 2017.

• Is ID required for absentee ballots?

YES. Beginning Jan. 1, 2018, voters requesting absentee ballots will be required to include their driver’s license/non-operator’s ID number or their voter ID card’s PIN number on the absentee ballot request form.