Join NAACP for Voter Registration, Voter IDs Saturday

This Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Prince Hall Grand Masonic Lodge in Providence, we will register voters and provide free Voter IDs at a voter engagement rally sponsored by the NAACP.

“We urge everyone in Rhode Island who is not registered to please register to vote. This upcoming election is very important,” said Jim Vincent, president of the NAACP’s Providence chapter.

You must be at least 18 years old by Nov. 6, a resident of Rhode Island and a U.S. citizen in order to register. In addition to targeting new voters, the event will enable voters who have moved or changed their names since the last time they voted to re-register to vote as required by state law.

Election Day will be the next big test of Voter ID. Beginning this year, voters are being asked to show an ID when they vote at the polls. Poll workers will accept a wide range of common photo IDs including a R.I. driver’s license, state ID card, RIPTA bus pass, college ID and employee ID.

To obtain a free Voter ID, voters must bring proof of identity such as a Social Security card, credit or debit card, utility bill or government-issued document. The ID, which includes a color photo of the voter and the voter’s full name, will be created on the spot. Voters who already have an acceptable photo ID do not need the special Voter ID.

Here are the complete lists of acceptable IDs and proofs of identity as well as the schedule of dates and locations where voters can obtain a free ID.

Voter ID will be phased in over two election cycles. In 2012 and 2013, voters can also use a variety of non-photo IDs including a Social Security card, bank statement or any government-issued document. Beginning in 2014, only photo ID will be accepted.

Most importantly, no eligible voter will be denied the right to vote. Voters who do not bring an acceptable ID to the polls can vote using a standard Provisional Ballot. If the signature they give at their polling place matches the signature on their voter registration, their ballot will be counted.