Eastern Iowans experience first elections with voter ID changes

For bond votes Tuesday, voters in eastern Iowa experienced their first election with the new changes to the voter ID law.

Hundreds of voters took to the polls in Lisbon where they were asked to show their ID. Linn County Auditor Joel Miller said only a few did not have identification.

“Based on this election, it seems that everyone has got the word that they need to bring their ID,” Miller said. “We had a satellite about a week ago, and 250 people voted early, and there was only two people that didn’t bring their driver’s license.”

If a voter does not have their ID they will be asked to sign an oath of identification. Miller said it certifies that the voter has an ID and will bring it the next time they visit the polls. He said it’s not slowing things down at the polls.

“Voters today are being processed in under two minutes from the time they walk up to the table, to the time they get a ballot in their hand. It’s a pretty quick process, minor inconvenience, and something everyone should be doing,” Miller said.

Starting January 1, 2019 voters will be required to show one of these forms of identification.

• Iowa Non-Operator's ID

• Iowa Driver's License

• U.S. Passport

• Military ID

• Veteran's ID

• Voter ID Card

Otherwise the voter will need to bring a person who can verify their identity or cast a provisional ballot.