Voters offered free photo ID

A new law has recently been passed that requires registered voters to show valid government identification with a photograph in order to vote starting Jan. 1, 2012.

This ID can include Tennessee driver’s license, passport, military ID or other valid state or federal government issued ID with a photograph.

“If you cannot afford an ID, one will be provided to you free of charge, for the purposes of voting only, at the nearest Tennessee driver testing center,” said state Rep. Julia Hurley, R-Lenoir City.

“You can begin getting a free photo ID as of July 1.”

Hurley reminds voters that they do not have to show a picture ID if they are voting by absentee ballot or if they are a resident of a nursing home and vote there.

Those who are not able to arrange transportation to a location to obtain a picture ID may request an absentee ballot and vote absentee from home.

Anyone with questions about the new law may call Hurley’s office at 615-741-7658.