Voter ID rules in Ohio - just voted, if your going to the polls in OH read this

I went to vote this morning, and was asked for my drivers license. I had it, but to check the poll workers, I asked what I could show them if I didn't have a drivers license. (I know quite a few people who don't drive.)

There were two septuagenarian ladies checking in my district, and the one who had my part of the alphabet said, "You can't vote without a drivers license." Her friend who was checking in the other letters of the alphabet leaned over and said, we can take your drivers license or other "official id". Like what? She suggested a utility bill.

This was Cuyahoga County, about two hours ago. There were no "party" observers there at that time.

The fact is there may be renters who don't have a utility bill in their name. The poll worker with the training may be working the scanner and not sitting at the table. A voter may not bother to ask the follow up question when they are asked and don't have a license. If you are in Ohio, and you have this happen to you, or you see someone else getting confused, discouraged or being given incomplete or bad information, here is what the Ohio Secretary of State has said they will accept:

* A current and valid photo identification card issued by the State of Ohio or the United States government (e.g., passport); or
* A military identification ("military ID&quot ; or
* An original or copy of a current utility bill; or
* An original or copy of a current bank statement; or
* An original or copy of a current government check; or
* An original or copy of a current paycheck; or
* An original or copy of a current other government document, other than a voter registration acknowledgement notification mailed by the board of elections, that shows the voter’s name and current address.

from: http://www.sos.state.oh.us/elections/Voters/FAQ/ID.aspx

The last category should include anything that comes from the government, including everything from a probation department or unemployment office letter to a letter from the IRS. Even a letter from the local town/city indicating the grass is too long or that your dog bit someone should be adequate. Check the date though - it has to be "current", so 30 days or less is probably safe, 60-90 may be marginal.

If you are going to the OH polls take this information with you. Even though you may not need it, you might be able to help someone else out who doesn't have a drivers license.