Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires all voters to present valid photo identification prior to voting.

Highlights:

• Requires all voters to present valid photo identification, which meets all of the following criteria, prior to voting (Sec. 1):
• The name on the identification "substantially" conforms to the name in the individual's voter registration record;
• The identification contains a photograph of the individual; and
• The identification was issued by the United States or the state of New Hampshire, or is a valid state driver's license.

• Authorizes a voter without photo identification to cast a provisional ballot, provided that the voter presents valid photo identification, official documentation of driver's license suspension or revocation, a waiver issued by the Secretary of State, or an affidavit of religious exemption to the city or town clerk by 12:00pm on the third business day after the election (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes individuals who require photo identification for voter identification purposes to obtain a voucher from the Secretary of State exempting that individual from the $10 identification card fee (Sec. 4).

• Authorizes the Secretary of State to reimburse the Department of Safety from the election fund for non-drivers' picture identification cards (Sec. 3).

• Specifies that no person shall be denied the right to vote for failure to present valid photo identification prior to November 1, 2012 (Sec. 7).

Full Bill Text

Vetoed by Governor John Lynch

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires a voter to present valid photo identification to vote in person, or to have his or her photo taken by an election official to be kept on file.

Highlights:

• Requires a voter to present valid identification before voting (Sec. 1).

• Establishes valid photo identification as the following (Sec. 2):
• Identification showing the name of the individual to whom the identification was issued, and the name substantially conforms to the name in the individual's voter registration record;
• Identification showing a photograph of the individual to whom the identification was issued;
• Identification including an expiration date that is not yet expired; and
• Identification issued by the United States, State of New Hampshire, a political subdivision of the State of New Hampshire, an educational institution licensed or approved by the postsecondary education commission, or a business or institution recognized by local election officials.

• Specifies that if a voter does not have a photo identification that satisfies the photo identification requirement, it may be satisfied by having a digital photograph of the voter taken by an election official to be kept on file (Sec. 3).

• Specifies October 1, 2012 as the effective date of the act (Sec. 5).

Full Bill Text