For the third straight day, Brown County voters have headed to the polls in large numbers. At the close of business Wednesday, 1,002 residents cast a ballot, which means that in the first three days of early voting, 3,027 ballots have been cast. This is 17% over the 2012 general election. Brown County Elections Administrator, Karen Opiela reminds Texans that voters who do not possess and cannot reasonably obtain one of the seven forms of approved photo ID now have additional options when voting in person. As provided by a court order, if a voter does not possess and cannot reasonably obtain one of the seven forms of approved photo ID, the voter may vote by (1) signing a declaration at the polls explaining why the voter is reasonably unable to obtain one of the seven forms of approved photo ID, and (2) providing one of various forms of supporting documentation. Supporting documentation can be a certified birth certificate (must be an original), a valid voter registration certificate, a copy or original of one of the following: current utility bill, bank statement, government check, or paycheck, or other government document that shows the voter’s name and an address, although government documents which include a photo must be original and cannot be copies.  If a voter meets these requirements and is otherwise eligible to vote, the voter will be able to cast a regular ballot in the election.

The seven forms of approved photo ID are:

Texas driver license issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)

Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS

Texas personal identification card issued by DPS

Texas license to carry a handgun issued by DPS

United States military identification card containing the person’s photograph

United States citizenship certificate containing the person’s photograph

United States passport

With the exception of the U.S. citizenship certificate, the approved photo ID must be current or have expired no more than four years before being presented for voter qualification at the polling place. Voters can learn more by visiting VoteTexas.gov or calling 1-800-252-VOTE.