Jackson—More than 98% of Mississippi voters who cast ballots in the General Election have one form of acceptable photo identification included in Mississippi’s constitutional Voter ID law, according to a survey conducted by Edison Research. Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann announced the findings of what is believed to be the largest survey of Mississippi voters ever conducted.
“The survey helps us accurately gauge the number and profile of the voters we need to reach,” says Secretary Hosemann. “I am encouraged the survey found less than 1% of the voters did not have a photo ID. Less than 1% is a manageable number for implementing constitutional voter ID. “
On November 6, 2012, Edison personally surveyed almost 6,000 Mississippi voters as they exited 30 polling locations selected randomly across the state. Survey results show 98.3% of those surveyed reported having at least one of the eight forms of photo ID. Only 0.8% of respondents reported having none of the eight forms of photo ID. 0.9% did not answer the question.
“Our Agency will focus on ensuring every voter who does not have an acceptable photo ID will be able to obtain one easily, free of charge,” adds Hosemann.
In addition to the Edison survey report, Secretary Hosemann released proposed administrative rules for the new Voter ID requirement. Under these rules, any voter who lacks an acceptable photo ID may obtain a free voter ID card from the Circuit Clerk’s Office by presenting the same materials accepted to register to vote under the federal Help America Vote Act.
The Secretary of State’s Office has entered into an agreement with the Department of Vital Statistics to allow Circuit Clerk’s to verify birth records of voters who cannot provide these materials, at no cost to the voter. The Secretary of State’s Office will also enter into an agreement with the Mississippi Department of Transportation to utilize existing transportation services to provide free transportation for voters who need a free voter ID card but lack transportation to the Circuit Clerk’s Office.
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