New Photo ID Requirements Blocked by DOJ, Rules for Voting Do Not Change

Posted on December 23, 2011

The U.S. Department of Justice today blocked implementation of a new law that would require South Carolina voters to present a photo ID in order to vote. Identification requirements for voting will not change at this time.

Current law requires voters to present one of three items to vote at the polling place:

S.C. Driver's License
S.C. Identification Card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles
S.C. Voter Registration Card

South Carolina is covered by Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Therefore, any change to election law must be approved (or "precleared") by the U.S. Department of Justice before it can be implemented or enforced.

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