PHOTO IDSAcceptable forms of photo ID* Tennessee driver’s license with photo* U.S. Passport* Department of Safety photo ID card* Photo ID issued by federal or state government* Employee ID from U.S. Department of Energy* U.S. Military photo ID* State-issued handgun carry permit with your photoUnacceptable ID* College-issued student ID* Photo not issued by the federal or state governmentSource: Hamilton County Election Commission
NASHVILLE – The widely publicized case of 96-year-old Dorothy Cooper, of Chattanooga, who ran into problems seeking a free photo ID to vote under a new Tennessee law, has taught officials an invaluable lesson, state Safety Commissioner Bill Gibbons said Wednesday.
“In terms of other individuals who may be in that situation again, we’re encouraging our employees to use some common-sense discretion in deciding whether or not that person is presenting documentation that is legitimate and issue the photo ID accordingly,” Gibbons said.
He said the department has contacted Cooper and told her she would be issued the photo ID if she returns to a driver service center.
Cooper initially said after being turned away from the service center on Cherokee Boulevard that she intended to vote absentee, a process in which one mails his or her vote to authorities and does not require a photo ID.