Proposition 39 on the November ballot would implement voter ID requirements in California. Although 36 states already have voter ID laws, opponents are acting as if this measure is the end of democracy.\u00a0<\/p>\n
At a rally<\/a> on Wednesday, high-profile Democrats characterized Prop. 39, a citizens\u2019 initiative placed on the ballot through the signatures of more than 1.3 million registered voters, as a White House plot against California.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cDonald Trump and the MAGA agenda would like nothing better than to take California and our democracy backward,\u201d raged U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla.<\/p>\n Did democracy go backward in the 36 states that have voter ID laws already? Have any of these states descended into dictatorship, passed Jim Crow laws or revoked the right to vote from married women?<\/p>\n Doesn\u2019t seem so.<\/p>\n In Arkansas<\/a>, Georgia<\/a>, Indiana<\/a>, Kansas<\/a> and Mississippi<\/a>, voters must present an photo ID, but if they don\u2019t, they can vote provisionally and they have a period of time, three days or more, to present ID and have their vote counted. Georgia will provide a free voter ID card.\u00a0<\/p>\n In New Hampshire<\/a>, a photo ID is required, but identity can also be verified by a designated official.<\/p>\n North Carolina<\/a>, Ohio<\/a>, Tennessee<\/a> and Wisconsin<\/a> require a photo ID, but voters who don\u2019t show ID can vote provisionally and present ID later.<\/p>\n Some states try to avoid the need for a second trip to present ID.<\/p>\n In Alabama<\/a>, a photo ID is requested, but if the voter doesn\u2019t have one, two poll workers can vouch for the voter. Failing that, the voter can vote provisionally and return by the Friday after election day to present ID.<\/p>\n In Florida<\/a>, a photo ID is requested, but a voter who doesn\u2019t show an ID can vote provisionally and officials will use signature matching to verify identity.<\/p>\n In Idaho<\/a>, a photo ID is requested but voters who don\u2019t present one can fill out and sign an affidavit of identity.<\/p>\n Kentucky<\/a> requests a photo ID but will accept a signed affirmation plus an alternative ID document.<\/p>\n Louisiana<\/a> and Michigan<\/a> request a photo ID but allow voters without them to sign an affidavit and vote.<\/p>\n Missouri<\/a> gives a provisional ballot to any voter without a photo ID and will use signature matching to verify it.<\/p>\n Montana<\/a> requests a photo ID or, alternatively, two documents, only one of which needs a photo. Signature matching is used to verify provisional ballots.<\/p>\n Nebraska<\/a> asks for a photo ID and allows voters without them to vote provisionally and return with ID by the following Friday. Provisional votes are also counted if the voter certifies<\/a> a \u201creasonable impediment.\u201d<\/p>\n Rhode Island<\/a>, South Carolina<\/a>, South Dakota<\/a>, Texas<\/a> and West Virginia<\/a> request a photo ID, but will accept alternatives or affidavits. .<\/p>\n Some states will accept documents that show the voter\u2019s name and address, such as a utility bill.<\/p>\n Arizona<\/a> asks for a photo ID but will accept two non-photo documents with the voter\u2019s name and address. Voters who don\u2019t have any of that can vote provisionally and return in 3-5 days with the required identification.<\/p>\n Iowa<\/a> prefers a photo ID, but a voter ID card or certain documents showing name and address are accepted. Voters without these will receive a provisional ballot and must return with ID by noon on the Monday following the election.<\/p>\n North Dakota<\/a> requires an ID with name, address and date of birth. Wyoming<\/a> prefers a photo ID but will accept a Medicare\/Medicaid card. Both allow provisional ballots with a requirement for voters to return with their ID.<\/p>\n Alaska<\/a> and Colorado<\/a> accept utility bills and allow officials to verify eligibility if they know the voter.<\/p>\n Connecticut<\/a> accepts a Social Security card or any preprinted ID showing name, address, signature or photo. Voters without ID can sign a written statement under penalty of perjury instead.<\/p>\n Delaware<\/a> asks for proof of identity, no photo required. Voters without it can sign an affidavit.<\/p>\n Oklahoma<\/a> will accept a county-issued voter registration card, Utah<\/a> is satisfied with documents showing name and address, and Virginia<\/a> accepts non-photo documents although first-time voters may be asked for more.<\/p>\n