Election Commissioner Oscar KelleyCLEVELAND, Tenn. - The Bradley County Election Commission is trying to get in front of any complications that may crop up during March's elections because of Tennessee's new voter identification law.
Every voter must have a photo identification to vote.
The commission staff recently mailed letters to local organizations, explaining the law and asking that the information be shared with their members.
"The most important change in Tennessee election law this year is SB16/HB0007, requiring all voters bring a state- or federal-issued photo identification with them to the polls in order to vote," the letter states.
"We had a good response from the public last weekend," said Election Commissioner Oscar Kelley, who took part in a community health fair and included the new voter law in his display.
The new identification law is fraught with potential challenges, election commissioners say.
One is a temptation by election workers, who likely know many of the voters, to waive the identification on their own. But even if the voter is the poll worker's grandfather, he must show an ID, commissioners said.
One suggestion at Monday's Election Commission meeting is some kind of community forum or town hall to get the word out. Another is to focus on those most likely to be affected, such as residents at nursing homes where most will not have a photo driver's license.
Election officials will also appeal to candidates to help.
"If I was a candidate, I would want my voters to be educated about this," said Election Commissioner Adam Lewis. "When you have folks asking for votes, then the onus is also on them to communicate this."
Maybe candidates will add a line to their advertising "don't forget to bring a state or federal photo ID," election officials said.
For Bradley, the March 2012 presidential preference primaries also include a County Commission race to fill a two-year vacancy in the 4th District, a vacancy in the 7th District for constable and nominations for assessor of property.