Signed by Governor Bob McDonnell

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires photo identification prior to voting, effective July 1, 2014.

Highlights:

• Requires individuals to present a valid form of photo identification prior to voting, whereas current law permits certain forms of identification without a photograph of the voter (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes the following forms of photo identification to be used prior to voting (Sec. 1):
• A valid Virginia driver’s license;
• A valid U.S. passport; 
• A valid student identification card issued by a Virginia institution of higher learning containing a photograph of the voter;
• A valid employee identification card containing a photograph of the voter; or
• Any other form of photo identification issued by Virginia or the United States.

• Requires the State Board to provide individuals who do not have an authorized form of photo identification a free voter registration card containing the individual’s photograph and signature (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall not take effect until funds for this act are appropriated by the 2013 Session of the General Assembly (Sec. 3).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires photo identification prior to voting, effective July 1, 2014.

Highlights:

• Requires individuals to present a valid form of photo identification prior to voting, whereas current law permits certain forms of identification without a photograph of the voter (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes the following forms of photo identification to be used prior to voting (Sec. 1):
• A valid Virginia driver’s license;
• A valid U.S. passport; 
• A valid student identification card issued by a Virginia institution of higher learning containing a photograph of the voter;
• A valid employee identification card containing a photograph of the voter; or
• Any other form of photo identification issued by Virginia or the United States.

• Requires the State Board to provide individuals who do not have an authorized form of photo identification a free voter registration card containing the individual’s photograph and signature (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall not take effect until funds for this act are appropriated by the 2013 Session of the General Assembly (Sec. 3).

Full Bill Text