Important Things to Know for Voters in Coconino County

If you're a voter in Arizona's Coconino County, there are some things you need to know about new laws regarding proof of citizenship and ID for the November 7th election. The United States Supreme Court made a ruling effective October 20, 2006, that all registered voters need to be citizens of the United States. It was also decreed that, in order to vote, you must present proper identification.

Please keep in mind that laws are not consistent from state to state, county to county, or even precinct to precinct. Voters at one precinct may have an initiative on their ballots that their neighbors just across the street don't have. So if you have any questions, you can check with your county clerk about what's up to date with the ever-changing rulings regarding your right to vote.

All voters will need to show a photo ID with a current address that matches the address listed on their precinct's list of registered voters. Types of photo identification that is acceptable include:
• A driver's license valid in the state of Arizona
• An Arizona state issued identification card
• An identification card stating tribal enrollment or other tribal affiliation
• An identification card from either a federal, state or local government that is current

You only need ONE of the above listed forms of ID to vote in Coconino County, Arizona.

If you do not have one of the forms of ID listed above, you will be allowed to vote with TWO of the following forms of ID (that do not have your picture):
• A bill from your utility company that is not older than 90 days (It must have your name and address that agree with the precinct voter registration list in order for this identification to count.)
• Your voter ID card
• Your sample ballot

Some other forms of non-photo identification that are allowed include:
• A statement from your bank or credit union
• An Arizona vehicle registration (current)
• A statement of your property tax
• Indian census card

Forms of identification that are NOT acceptable are:
• A passport
• A rental agreement
• A birth certificate
• A marriage certificate

If you do not have the necessary documentation to prove citizenship and/or identification there are still ways for you to vote.

If you have the correct identification but your address does not match the address listed for you on the precinct list, your vote will be called "provisional." This means you will be allowed to vote but you will have a certain amount of time to bring in the necessary documentation so that your vote can be counted.

If you do not have the correct identification, you will also be allowed to vote, but your vote will be called "conditional." This means that you will again have a certain amount of time to provide the necessary information to the county clerk so that your vote will be counted.

Here are a couple of interesting facts about voting in Coconino County.
• Names on the ballots rotate from precinct to precinct.
• Each precinct uses about $15,000 worth of equipment to facilitate the voting process.

And one quick reminder to voters on the reservation - polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Daylight Savings Time.

Voting is a privilege and a right. Take the time to help mold our country's future. You deserve to have your vote count.

For more information about voting in Coconino County, check out their website at www.coconino.az.gov/elections.