Iowa voters will notice some changes when they go to the polls next month. New state laws require people to present identification when they vote. In addition the absentee voting period lasts 29 days before the election instead of 40.
Clinton County Auditor, Eric Van Lancker, says his office is working to make sure people are still able to vote, even with the stricter rules.
"If it's longer lines at our counter because of the that shorter period of the absentee voting, than we can adjust our hours in our office. If it means more folks are voting by mail, then we have the supplies for those folks as well. I hope that people learn these rules understand what they are and still come out and vote. That's the most important thing"
IDs must have a photo, signature, and an expiration date. Acceptable IDs include driver’s licenses, state non-operator’s licenses, and passports. If voters do not have an ID, they will be asked to sign an oath saying they are who they say they are, but the oath will not be an option next year for Iowa Voters.
Voting absentee will also require an ID number, from a driver’s license, or other acceptable ID. Those without these forms of ID should have been sent a Pin Number in December that they can use to vote. If they did not receive or have misplaced this number, they should contact their Auditor's office to get one.
Van Lancker says voters can requests ballots now, and starting Monday, May 7th, absentee ballots will be mailed and early voting will be available at the local auditor's office.