W.Va. Voters Now Required To Show Photo IDs

West Virginia voters will need to present photo identification to vote in future elections. 

House Bill 3016 was signed into law by Gov. Patrick Morrisey Wednesday evening.

“No photo ID, no vote,” said Morrisey at a ceremonial signing on Thursday. “This is just common sense. Need a photo ID to drive a car, purchase alcohol and get on a plane. Why shouldn’t you need one to vote in an election?”

Until now West Virginia voters only needed proof of residence. Under the new law, they’ll have to show a photo ID in order to vote.

The list of valid, identifying documents that can be used includes: 

• A valid West Virginia driver’s license or valid West Virginia identification card issued by the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles;
• A valid driver’s license issued by a state other than the State of West Virginia.
• A valid United States passport or passport card;
• A valid employee identification card with a photograph of the eligible voter issued by the United States Government or of the State of West Virginia, or by any county, municipality, board, authority, or other political subdivision of West Virginia;
• A valid student identification card with a photograph of the eligible voter issued by an institution of higher education in West Virginia by a West Virginia high school;
• A valid military identification card issued by the United States with a photograph of the person desiring to vote; or
• A valid voter registration card that includes the voter’s photograph  issued by a county clerk in the State of West Virginia or the Secretary of State.

Morrisey said the new law upholds election integrity and helps to prevent voter fraud.

“With this bill, West Virginians can be even more secure that they should have confidence In our election. We can’t afford to sacrifice our elections to mistrust or questionable practices,” Morrisey said. “I don’t think this should be controversial, and I’m very excited to help make this a law.” 

Voters without photo identification can execute an affidavit affirming their identity and then cast a provisional ballot that is counted once their identity has been verified by an elections official.