While people cast their ballots in Tuesday's election, others were already getting ready for the presidential election. It's an election that could have a new law in place to prevent voter fraud, but some say that same law will also make it harder for people to vote.
As the law stands right now, voters who don’t have an ID can still vote if they sign an affidavit saying they are who they claim to be.
Two bills that passed the General Assembly that are now under consideration by the governor would change that. Voters would have to have identification. Otherwise, they would only be able to fill out a provisional ballot that would not be counted unless they showed ID later.
The bills do allow for more types of identification to be accepted, but some people are concerned that people who cannot afford an ID will be kept from voting.
“It's voter suppression, and it's a way to keep people from participating in what is a fundamental right in this country and a fundamental right that a lot of people fought for and died for,” said Sen. Mamie Locke (D) 2nd District.
That's why the Hampton Democratic Committee is trying to make sure that if the change takes place, voters are ready.
On Tuesday, they covered the cost of Virginia IDs for Hampton residents who can’t afford one. There was a mobile DMV set up on Franklin St. outside the Ruppert L. Sargent Administration Building to help people like Sandra Christian.
She lost her ID recently and says for her, casting a ballot is a priority. “Oh I love voting, you need to vote, you don't need to just run your mouth and talk about it, you need to be there when that poll opens or closes,” said Christian.
Christian says the fact that IDs are being paid for is a blessing.
“By the time I pay my little bills and my little rent and whatever, I don't basically have nothing left. So it's a big help to me,” said Christian.
The mobile DMV will be set up Wednesday as well from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. outside of the Ruppert L. Sargent Administration building. The Hampton Democratic Committee will once again cover the cost of an ID for Hampton residents who cannot afford one. The non-profit, HELP, Hampton Roads Ecumenical Lodging and Provisions is also there to provide assistance for people who don't have a birth certificate or social security card.
