Free Voter ID Cards Available in Warren on Thursday

The following is a release from the office of Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis.

Rhode Islanders who need a photo ID in order to comply with the state's new Voter ID law can get a free one from Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis at the Warren Senior Center on Thursday, April 12, from 1 to 3 pm.

Under the new law, voters will be asked for ID when they vote at the polls beginning with the April 24 presidential primary.

"The public's confidence in the integrity of our elections is diminished by the belief that identity theft occurs at the polls. Renting a car or getting a library card require ID. Voting deserves at least as much protection," said Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis.

The Secretary of State's office will provide free IDs to voters who lack an acceptable photo ID such as a R.I. driver's license, U.S. passport, college ID, U.S. military ID or federal- or state-issued ID like a RIPTA bus pass.

In order to obtain an ID, voters must bring proof of identity such as a Social Security card, credit or debit card, utility bill or government-issued document. The ID, which will include a color photo of the voter and the voter's full name as it appears in the state's voter registration database, will be created on the spot.

"Photo ID ensures that poll workers can match a face to the name that voters give them when they obtain their ballots at the polls. The simple act of asking for ID protects the rights of every voter," said Mollis.

A complete schedule of locations where voters can obtain a Voter ID is posted on the Secretary of State’s website at sos.ri.gov. Mail ballots do not require ID.