Remember photo ID when you vote

Voting is an individual right that defines our nation and our democratic principles. Voting is our opportunity to voice our views to policy makers at all levels of government.

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Citizens in the city of Grovetown will go to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 6, and I want to ensure that they are aware of Georgia's law requiring photo identification for in-person voting.

This law is in effect for the Nov. 6 Municipal/Special Elections and all future elections. Voters casting their ballots in person are required to show one of the following forms of photo ID:

- A Georgia driver's license, even if expired;

- Any valid state or federal government issued photo ID, including a free Voter ID Card issued by your county registrar or Georgia Department of Driver Services;

- Valid U.S. passport;

- Valid employee photo ID from any branch, department, agency, or entity of the U.S. Government, Georgia, or any county, municipality, board, authority, or other entity of this state;

- Valid U.S. military photo ID;

- Valid tribal photo ID.

If you do not have one of these forms of identification, you can receive a free Georgia Voter Identification Card at the Columbia County Board of Registrars at 500 Faircloth Drive, in Evans. You may reach them at (706) 868-3355.

You can also visit your local Georgia Department of Driver Services Customer Service Center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday at 4408 Evans to Locks Road, in Evans.

Voters can call our toll-free hotline at 1 (877) 725-9797 or visit our Web site at www.GaPhotoID.com for more information and to get questions answered.

Even if you do not plan to vote Tuesday, I encourage you to make sure you have an acceptable form of photo ID, so you will be prepared for all future elections.

Every Georgian counts. So should their vote. The photo identification requirement protects the integrity of our election process. So please: Get out and vote, and remember to bring a photo ID.

Karen C. Handel, is Georgia's secretary of state.