What changed between these versions
A small clarification and expansion. v2 expands the acceptable methods for individuals voting other than in person by adding notarization as an option. It also clarifies the definition of "military identification" to specifically include cards issued by the Department of Defense or Veterans Affairs.
Overview
A handful of changes across two subsections. · v2 clarifies and slightly expands the methods for voter identification compared to v1.
The most significant change in v2 is the addition of a notarization option for individuals voting other than in person, providing an alternative method to satisfy identification requirements. Furthermore, the definition of "valid photo identification" was refined to specify that military identification includes cards issued by the Department of Defense or Veterans Affairs. The core requirement for photo identification remains unchanged.
Modifications
This change provides an additional pathway for individuals voting absentee or by mail to verify their identity, potentially making it easier for some voters to comply with the identification requirement if they cannot provide a photo ID copy or SSN affidavit.
Before
For individuals voting other than in person, the bill required submitting either a copy of a valid photo identification or the last four digits of their Social Security number along with an affidavit attesting inability to obtain a photo ID copy.
After
For individuals voting other than in person, the bill now allows for three options: submitting a copy of a valid photo identification, submitting the last four digits of their Social Security number with an affidavit, or including a notarization by a notary public attesting the individual personally marked the ballot.
This modification provides greater specificity regarding which military identification cards are acceptable, ensuring consistency and clarity for election officials and voters regarding the types of military IDs that fulfill the requirement.
Before
The definition of "valid photo identification" included "A valid military identification for the individual."
After
The definition of "valid photo identification" now specifies "A valid photo identification card for the individual issued by the Department of Defense or the Department of Veterans Affairs."