Alternate forms of voter identification

HOUSTON (FOX 26) - What if you don’t have a driver’s license or a state issued form of identification? What else can you use as proof of identification so you can vote? Not everyone knows the answer. There’s still a bit of confusion. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee says her office is receiving a number of calls from voters having this problem at the polls.

Plenty of early voters with smiles on their faces walked out of the Bayland Community Center in southwest Houston.

"It was great," said Sue Seago. "It wasn’t quite as long. About an hour to get through so it was good.” She also said the wait time to early vote is not the problem for some who are coming out to cast their vote.

"I have heard someone going into the polls with a legitimate voter ID and being questioned extensively and asking, 'Is this you?' and their picture is right there," said U.S. Rep. Jackson Lee outside the center. "That is intimidation and I am concerned.

U.S. Rep. Lee also said she was also hearing from voters who are having a number of issues trying to vote because they’re told they don’t have a drivers license or state-issued identification. 

"If you do not have that certified state ID then you can vote...what did I say?” Rep. Lee asked the crowd.

"You can vote,” answered the crowd. 

"You can vote if you bring forward your water bill,” added the Congresswoman. 

The Harris Votes website reminds everyone that in addition to a driver’s license or state-issued identification, there are five other acceptable forms of photo identification you can use to vote, including a passport and concealed handgun license. If you don’t have that, the website also says other forms of identification that are accepted include a birth certificate, bank statement, paycheck or utility bill.

"I have a driving license and I have a registration," said Yorum Shvartzapel with a smile.  "I got everything and ready to vote.” 

Early voting continues on Friday, Oct. 28 from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 29 from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 30 from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. and from Monday, Oct. 31 until Friday, Nov. 4 starting at 7 a.m. and ending at 7 p.m. 

If you choose to vote on Election Day, Nov. 8, Congresswoman Jackson Lee said she’s concerned because several locations where people have cast their vote for years have been consolidated and may not be a voting location this year. Check with your county clerk’s office to find out where you need to vote on election day.