Denton County reminds citizens of new voter ID law

Denton County voters must now have a photo ID to present at the polling location before being allowed to cast a vote.

“In Denton County we are working to make sure our voters understand the new ID requirements and have all the information they need to cast their ballots,” said Denton County Elections Administrator Frank Phillips.

A voter will be required to show one of the following current and valid forms of photo identification at the polling location: A Texas driver license issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS); a Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS; a Texas personal identification card issued by DPS; a Texas concealed handgun license issued by DPS; a United States military identification card containing the person’s photograph; a United States passport; and, a United States citizenship certificate containing the person’s photograph

With the exception of the U.S. citizenship certificate, the identification must be current or have expired no more than 60 days prior to presentation at the polling place.

This photo ID requirement is for voters casting a ballot in person, not by mail. Voters age 65 and older may vote by mail.

Election officials are encouraging voters to update their voter registrations to reflect the names on their IDs. Voters may use IDs that do not exactly match the name on their IDs if the names are substantially similar, but will have to sign an affidavit stating they are the same person.

“By preparing now, voters can help make sure voting goes smoothly when it comes time for the election,” said Phillips.

Voters may look up their registration at: www.votetexas.gov.  If their name is not an exact match they can update their voter registration online at that website.

To check and update their registrations, voters can visit the Denton County Elections Administration Website at: www.votedenton.com; the state’s website at: www.votetexas.gov; or call 940-349-3200 for more information.

For more information about photo ID requirements including exemptions, visit: www.votetexas.gov. 

Voters who don’t have an acceptable photo ID will find information on how to obtain an election identification certificate at: www.dps.texas.gov.