CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Governor Patrick Morrisey signed House Bill 3016 into law on Thursday, establishing a requirement for voters in West Virginia to present a photo ID in order to cast a ballot.
The new law, which supporters say is aimed at increasing trust in the electoral process, outlines the types of valid identification voters must show at the polls.
The list includes government-issued IDs such as a West Virginia driver’s license, a passport, or a military ID, among others.
Student IDs from West Virginia high schools and institutions of higher education are also accepted, as well as voter registration cards that include a photograph and are issued by a county clerk or the Secretary of State.
“Democratic elections are only as strong as the trust placed in them by the voters,” said Governor Morrisey. “This commonsense legislation secures West Virginia’s elections and instills faith in the voting process.”
The bill signing ceremony included West Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey and several state legislators.
For voters who do not have a valid ID at the time of voting, the law allows them to cast a provisional ballot after signing an affidavit affirming their identity.
The ballot may be counted once election officials verify the voter’s identity and eligibility through signature verification.
