Arizona is holding a special election today, but residents of Maricopa County may have trouble exercising their right to vote. According to ThinkProgress, only a fraction of voter ID cards were sent out in time.
As residents of Arizona’s eighth congressional district cast ballots in a special election to replace former Rep. Trent Franks (R-AZ) in Congress, roughly 140,000 of them may be unaware they are eligible to vote because they did not receive the ID card the county is required to send them after they register.
According to the Arizona Republic, Maricopa County officials have not sent all voters the cards they can use to cast a ballot under Arizona’s voter ID law because of an issue with the company used to print the materials. The paper reports that just 60,000 ID cards have been mailed to people who recently registered or changed their registration, while about 140,000 have not been sent.
While this may seem alarming, local officials don’t seem as concerned. Fortunately, one doesn’t need the card to vote—yet how many people know that? Having 140,000 people not receive their cards—especially considering the state’s history of voter suppression—could have a negative impact.
The Arizona Republic has a guide for people who are eligible to vote but don't have their voter ID cards yet, which you can read below.
What to do if you don't have a voter ID card
- Verify that you are registered to vote by going to the Maricopa County Recorder's Voter Registration page or calling 602-506-1511.
- When you go to the polls, bring the following forms of ID:
- One ID that has your photo, name and current address, such as an Arizona driver's license, non-operating identification card or tribal identification.
- Or two documents that have your name and current address, such as a recent utility, phone or cable bill; a recent bank or credit union statement; vehicle registration; Indian census card; property tax statement; Recorder’s certificate; or mailing to the voter marked “official election material.” Your voter ID also counts in this category.
- Or, if your photo ID does not have your current address, you can combine it with one item above (such as a utility bill) that has your current address. You can also combine a passport or military ID combined with one item above (such as a utility bill) that has your current address.
- Or, you can print your voter ID card. You can also use it on your cellphone. Check your voter registration status on the Maricopa County Recorder's website and print it out or show the QR code on your cellphone to a polling place worker to scan.