The El Paso County Elections Department lists seven accepted forms of photo identification for voting in person: a Texas driver license, election identification certificate, personal identification card or handgun license; a U.S. military photo ID; a U.S. citizenship or naturalization certificate with a photograph; or a U.S. passport book or card.
For voters ages 18 through 69, an otherwise acceptable photo ID generally may have expired no more than four years before it is presented. Voters 70 or older may use an otherwise valid accepted photo ID that has been expired for any length of time. Citizenship certificates do not expire.
An option when obtaining photo ID is impeded
A voter who qualifies for a reasonable impediment to obtaining an accepted photo ID can complete a declaration at the voting place and provide a supporting document. The county lists documents such as a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or government document showing a name and address.
Listed impediments include transportation difficulties, disability or illness, work schedules, family responsibilities, missing documents, lost or stolen identification, or an accepted ID that has been applied for but not received. The declaration is a legal statement, so voters should review the full county instructions and discuss their circumstances with election staff.
Provisional ballots can require follow-up
The county says certain voters without required identification may cast a provisional ballot but must present proper identification to the voter registrar within six calendar days of the election for the ballot to count. Separate permanent and temporary exemption rules apply in specified circumstances.
An Election Identification Certificate is available without a fee through Texas driver license offices for applicants who meet the document requirements. Residents should use the county’s complete identification page for the applicable rules rather than assuming that a voter registration certificate alone satisfies every situation.
