DES MOINES Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate announced on Monday that his office will mail Voter ID cards this week to registered voters in the state who do not possess a valid Iowa driver’s license or non-driver’s ID. The cards are free and will be sent automatically to 123,000 Iowans, roughly six percent of the state’s registered voters. This process will ensure that every registered voter in the state will have an identification card to use when voting, starting with the elections in 2018.

“It should be easy to vote, but hard to cheat, and that’s what this new law ensures,” Secretary Pate said. “We are taking the unprecedented step of mailing free Voter ID cards automatically to every registered voter who does not already have an Iowa driver’s license or non-driver’s ID. Only those Iowans will receive these cards. I encourage them to be on the lookout for the Voter ID cards in the mail, and when they receive their card, open it, sign it and keep it.”

“It is important to note that this Voter ID card will only be mailed to registered voters who do not have a valid driver’s license or non-driver’s ID. If a registered voter has a valid driver’s license or non-driver’s ID, he or she will not receive the Voter ID card and will only need to bring his or her current ID to the polls beginning January 2018,” said Grundy County Auditor Rhonda R. Deters.

During calendar year 2018 voters will be asked to show their ID before voting at the polls. Anyone who does not have the necessary ID will be asked to sign an oath verifying their identity, and will be allowed to cast a regular ballot. No eligible voter will be turned away because of this change in the law.

Beginning January 1, 2019, Iowa voters will be required to show a driver’s license, non-driver’s ID, passport, military ID, veterans ID, or Voter ID Card at the polls before they vote. Voters without the necessary ID may use an attester or they will be offered a provisional ballot and can provide ID up until the time of the county canvass of votes.

Grundy County voters with questions about the Voter ID cards can contact the Grundy County Auditor’s office at 319-824-3122.