Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to override a veto of a bill that requires voters to provide photo identification to vote, effective January 1, 2014.

Highlights:

• Requires individuals to present “proof of identity” to vote, beginning January 1, 2014 (Secs. 2 & 7). 

• Defines “proof of identity” as a document or identification card that meets the following criteria (Sec. 1):
• The proof of identity provides the individual’s name and photograph;
• The proof of identity is issued by the United States, the State of Arkansas, or an accredited postsecondary educational institution in the state; and 
• The proof of identity is not expired or has expired no more than 4 years before the date of the election in which the individual seeks to vote.

• Requires individuals who vote by absentee ballot to present proof of identity or a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or other government document that provides the name and address of the individual (Sec. 3). 

• Exempts certain individuals who vote by absentee ballot from the requirement to present a copy of current and valid photo identifications including, but not limited to, the following individuals (Sec. 2):  
• A member of the Armed Forces who is absent from the country on election day due to active duty;
• A member of the merchant marine who is absent from the country on election day due to his or her service; 
• The spouse or dependent of a member of the Armed Forces or a merchant marine out of the country due to their service; or
• A resident of a long-term or residential care facility licensed by the state.

• Requires poll workers to issue a provisional ballot to individuals who are listed on the precinct voter registration list but do not provide proof of identity (Secs. 4 & 5).

• Requires a provisional ballot to be counted if the individual provides proof of identity by 12 p.m. on the Monday following the election or provides an affidavit stating the voter cannot provide proof of identity because of indigence or a religious objection to being photographed (Sec. 5).

• Requires the Secretary of State to provide for the issuance of free voter identification cards requested by individuals who do not have another valid proof of identity (Sec. 5).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to override a veto of a bill that requires voters to provide photo identification to vote, effective January 1, 2014.

Highlights:

• Requires individuals to present “proof of identity” to vote, beginning January 1, 2014 (Secs. 2 & 7). 

• Defines “proof of identity” as a document or identification card that meets the following criteria (Sec. 1):
• The proof of identity provides the individual’s name and photograph;
• The proof of identity is issued by the United States, the State of Arkansas, or an accredited postsecondary educational institution in the state; and 
• The proof of identity is not expired or has expired no more than 4 years before the date of the election in which the individual seeks to vote.

• Requires individuals who vote by absentee ballot to present proof of identity or a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or other government document that provides the name and address of the individual (Sec. 3). 

• Exempts certain individuals who vote by absentee ballot from the requirement to present a copy of current and valid photo identifications including, but not limited to, the following individuals (Sec. 2):  
• A member of the Armed Forces who is absent from the country on election day due to active duty;
• A member of the merchant marine who is absent from the country on election day due to his or her service; 
• The spouse or dependent of a member of the Armed Forces or a merchant marine out of the country due to their service; or
• A resident of a long-term or residential care facility licensed by the state.

• Requires poll workers to issue a provisional ballot to individuals who are listed on the precinct voter registration list but do not provide proof of identity (Secs. 4 & 5).

• Requires a provisional ballot to be counted if the individual provides proof of identity by 12 p.m. on the Monday following the election or provides an affidavit stating the voter cannot provide proof of identity because of indigence or a religious objection to being photographed (Sec. 5).

• Requires the Secretary of State to provide for the issuance of free voter identification cards requested by individuals who do not have another valid proof of identity (Sec. 5).

Vetoed by Governor Mike Beebe

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to concur with House amendments and pass a bill that requires voters to provide photo identification to vote, effective January 1, 2014.

Highlights:

• Requires individuals to present “proof of identity” to vote, beginning January 1, 2014 (Secs. 2 & 7). 

• Defines “proof of identity” as a document or identification card that meets the following criteria (Sec. 1):
• The proof of identity provides the individual’s name and photograph;
• The proof of identity is issued by the United States, the State of Arkansas, or an accredited postsecondary educational institution in the state; and 
• The proof of identity is not expired or has expired no more than 4 years before the date of the election in which the individual seeks to vote.

• Requires individuals who vote by absentee ballot to present proof of identity or a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or other government document that provides the name and address of the individual (Sec. 3). 

• Exempts certain individuals who vote by absentee ballot from the requirement to present a copy of current and valid photo identification including, but not limited to, the following individuals (Sec. 2):  
• A member of the Armed Forces who is absent from the country on Election Day due to active duty;
• A member of the merchant marine who is absent from the country on election day due to his or her service; 
• The spouse or dependent of a member of the Armed Forces or a merchant marine out of the country due to their service; or
• A resident of a long-term or residential care facility licensed by the state.

• Requires poll workers to issue a provisional ballot to individuals who are listed on the precinct voter registration list but do not provide proof of his or her identity (Secs. 4 & 5).

• Requires a provisional ballot to be counted if the individual provides proof of identity by 12 p.m. on the Monday following the election or provides an affidavit stating the voter cannot provide proof of identity because of indigence or a religious objection to being photographed (Sec. 5).

• Requires the Secretary of State to provide for the issuance of free voter identification cards requested by individuals who do not have another valid proof of identity (Sec. 5).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires voters to provide photo identification to vote, effective January 1, 2014.

Highlights:

• Requires individuals to present “proof of identity” to vote, beginning January 1, 2014 (Secs. 2 & 7). 

• Defines “proof of identity” as a document or identification card that meets the following criteria (Sec. 1):
• The proof of identity provides the individual’s name and photograph;
• The proof of identity is issued by the United States, the State of Arkansas, or an accredited postsecondary educational institution in the state; and 
• The proof of identity is not expired or has expired no more than 4 years before the date of the election in which the individual seeks to vote.

• Requires individuals who vote by absentee ballot to present proof of identity or a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or other government document that provides the name and address of the individual (Sec. 3). 

• Exempts certain individuals who vote by absentee ballot from the requirement to present a copy of current and valid photo identification including, but not limited to, the following individuals (Sec. 2):  
• A member of the Armed Forces who is absent from the country on Election Day due to active duty;
• A member of the merchant marine who is absent from the country on election day due to his or her service; 
• The spouse or dependent of a member of the Armed Forces or a merchant marine out of the country due to their service; or
• A resident of a long-term or residential care facility licensed by the state.

• Requires poll workers to issue a provisional ballot to individuals who are listed on the precinct voter registration list but do not provide proof of his or her identity (Secs. 4 & 5).

• Requires a provisional ballot to be counted if the individual provides proof of identity by 12 p.m. on the Monday following the election or provides an affidavit stating the voter cannot provide proof of identity because of indigence or a religious objection to being photographed (Sec. 5).

• Requires the Secretary of State to provide for the issuance of free voter identification cards requested by individuals who do not have another valid proof of identity (Sec. 5).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to concur with House amendments and pass a bill that requires voters to provide photo identification to vote, effective January 1, 2014.

Highlights:

• Requires individuals to present “proof of identity” in order to vote in person (Sec. 2). 

• Defines “proof of identity” as a document or identification card that (Sec. 1):
• Shows the name and photograph of the voter;
• Is issued by the United States, the State of Arkansas, or an accredited postsecondary educational institution in the state; and 
• Is not expired or has expired no more than 4 years before the date of the election.

• Requires the Secretary of State to provide for the issuance of free voter identification cards requested by individuals who do not have another valid proof of identity (Sec. 5).

• Requires individuals who vote by absentee ballot to present a copy of one of the following (Sec. 2):
• Current and valid photo identification; or
• Current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or other government document that shows name and address of the voter. 

• Exempts residents of long-term care facilities from presenting proof of identity in order to vote (Sec. 2).

• Requires residents of long-term care facilities to provide documentation from the administrator of the facility attesting that the person is a resident of the facility (Sec. 2).

• Requires poll workers to issue a provisional ballot to a voter who fails to provide proof of identity (Sec. 4).

• Requires a provisional ballot cast by a voter who did not provide proof of identity to be counted if the voter provides (Sec. 5):
• Proof of identity by noon on the Monday following the election; or
• An affidavit stating the voter cannot provide proof of identity because the voter is either indigent or has a religious objection to being photographed.

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall take effect on January 1, 2014, unless funds for issuing voter identification cards have not been appropriated and made available (Sec. 7).

Full Bill Text