Mississippi helps residents obtain a voter ID | News

(WMC-TV)- The state of Mississippi wants to make sure its residents are prepared for this year’s election.   The Secretary of State’s Office is helping those who do not have the proper voter ID obtain the identification information they need. 

 Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann said, “We are hoping to find as many people as possible who need a voter ID while we are awaiting approval.  We can then expedite the process for getting them the proper identification later.”

Over 62% of the voters in Mississippi approved a constitutional initiative in the November 2012 General Election requiring voters to show identification at the polls.  The requirement must now be approved by either the Department of Justice or the federal courts.

“This requirement will allow individuals who may have been unable to afford, or has concerns about the voting process, a means for acquiring a form of identification in the free voter ID card,” says Secretary Hosemann.  “This voter ID will help shorten the time to vote and ensure only you cast your ballot.”

People who need a free voter ID can call the Secretary of State office toll free at 1-855-868-3745.

Voters can also use the following forms of ID:

• A current and valid Mississippi driver’s license;
• A current and valid ID card issued by a branch, department, agency or entity of the State of Mississippi;
• A current and valid United States passport;
• A current and valid employee ID card containing a photograph of the voter and issued by any branch, department, agency or entity of the United States government, the State of Mississippi, or any county, municipality, board, authority or other entity of the State.
• A United States passport;
• A current and valid Mississippi firearms license to carry a pistol or revolver;
• A United States military I.D.
• A valid tribal photo ID; or,
• A student photo ID issued by a Mississippi university, college, or community college.

Copyright 2012 WMC-TV. All rights reserved.