Kansas state law requires Kansas voters to show photographic identification, such as a driver’s license, when casting a vote in person. With the general election looming Nov. 2, voters who don’t have photo IDs can seek an alternative, said Barton County Clerk/Election Officer Donna Zimmerman.
However, the process is not a simple one, she noted. One should start the ball rolling as quickly as possible,
The Kansas Secretary of State’s Office, which handles elections at the state level, outlined the ID requirements.
If the photo ID has an expiration date on it, the ID must not have expired at the time of voting. An acceptable photo ID does not have to have an expiration date on the document in order to be valid.
No driver’s license? No problem.
According to the KSOS, other acceptable forms of photo ID include:
• ID card issued by Kansas or another state
• U.S. Passport
• U.S. Military ID
• ID card issued by a Native American tribe
• Employee badge or ID issued by a government office
• Student ID card from an accredited postsecondary education institution in Kansas
• Concealed carry license issued by Kansas or another state
• Public assistance ID card issued by a government office
Another option
Registered voters who do not have an approved photo ID to vote may apply for a free non-driver identification card with the Kansas Division of Motor Vehicles, the KSOS noted. To get one, an individual must fill out a form (DE-VID1 (Certification Requesting Fee Waiver for Nondriver Identification Card) requesting a fee waiver for card and follow other guidelines (there is normally a charge for these).
This form is available at all driver’s licenses offices, like the one in the Barton County Courthouse. One must:
• Not possess and valid photo identification documents under Kansas law
• Lack any documents necessary to prove their identity
• Sign an affidavit attesting they do not have a valid photo ID or documents to prove their identity
• Be registered to vote in Kansas
• Have been born in Kansas
The form is also available on the KSOS website at www.ksrevenue.org/pdf/DE-VID1.pdf.
However, local driver’s license office representatives recommended one call first for more information and get the details. The phone number is 620-793-9531.
Those without proof of identity
Qualifying individuals who lack proof of identity and want to obtain a free non-driver identification card may get a Kansas birth certificate from the Kansas Office of Vital Statistics at no cost, but there is a process for this since certificates normally cost the applicant.
The form required is form VS-235 (Application for Certified Copy of Kansas Birth Certificate). The applicant must meet the same guidelines as listed for the non-driver’s photo ID.
The form is available on the KSOS website at www.kdheks.gov/vital/download/birth_fillable.pdf.
They are may also be available at county election offices. The Barton County Clerk’s Office recommended one call for more information at 620-793-1835.
Processing time is seven to 10 days, but COVID-19 state office closures may increase the wait.
Exemptions
Exemptions from photo ID requirements exist for: Permanent advance voters (voters with illness or disabilities); military and overseas voters and their spouses and dependents; and voter with religious objections who sign a Declaration of Religious Objection. Voters age 65 or older may use an expired photo ID.
For more information, call the County Clerk’s Office at 620-793-1835.
