SB 523 (Obenshain) requires the Department of Elections to obtain photographs of registered voters from the Department of Motor Vehicles and make those photographs available to general registrars, who would be required to incorporate them into their electronic pollbooks. A voter’s photograph contained in the electronic pollbook could then be used in lieu of the physical photo ID that would otherwise be required to vote. It is expected that new computer equipment will be required for some localities in order to accommodate the photographs. When the bill was heard by the Senate Privileges and Elections Committee, VACo requested that the necessary funding be provided with the legislation.
The bill was referred to the Senate Finance Committee, where it was reported with “the clause” – an enactment clause providing that the bill will not take effect unless it is accompanied by an appropriation in the state budget.
VACo Contact: Katie Boyle