American
Indians Registering to Vote in Hennepin County Cannot Use Tribal
ID
According to
state law, American Indians cannot use tribal identification (ID)
cards to register to vote in Hennepin County. County election officials
are concerned that American Indians know what documents to bring
Nov. 2 to successfully register to vote on Election Day, says Pat
O'Connor, director of Hennepin County Taxpayer Services.
"We're concerned
that American Indian Hennepin County residents might assume tribal
ID is enough to register to vote," says O'Connor. "According to
a recent memo issued by the secretary of state, Minnesota law stipulates
that tribal ID only can be used by tribal band members living on
an Indian reservation. Hennepin County has no Indian reservation,
so tribal ID cannot be used. At best, the statute is confusing,"
says O'Connor. "We had to spend quite a bit of time looking at
it. It appears there may even be a fluke in the way the statute
is worded -- according to the memo from the secretary of state,
the statute states that - 'for tribal band
members living on an Indian reservation, an individual may prove
residence ... by presenting an identification card issued by the
tribal government'." But the law goes on to state the card must include
a street address. Tribal IDs don't include a street address. The
law may need to be changed. "To register to vote, there are two main
requirements -- you must establish your identity and have proof of
where you live -- something with an address," says O'Connor.
"Our main
concern, no matter what current statute says, is that every eligible
citizen is able to vote, and that no eligible voter shows up on
Election Day and is turned away because they don't have valid ID."
Although tribal IDs cannot be used, O'Connor says other forms of
documentation can be used. They must include a valid photo ID (to
establish identity) and proof of residence, such as: A valid Minnesota
driver's license, learner's permit or receipt with current address.
A valid Minnesota ID card issued by the Minnesota Department of
Public Safety (or receipt) with valid address. Current student
ID card, fee statement or copy of student registration card, with
valid address. Existing registration in the same precinct, under
a different address. Notice of late registration from county auditor
or municipal clerk. Someone already registered to vote in the precinct
who will vouch that you live there. If you don't have one piece
of documentation that has both your photo ID and current address
(for example, you've moved and your license shows an old address),
you can pair up other forms of photo ID and proof of residence,
such as: A driver's license (with an old address) and a utility
bill (due within 30 days of Election Day) with your name and current
address. A U.S. passport or U.S. military ID card and a utility
bill. For more information on registering to vote in Hennepin County,
call the Hennepin County Elections Division: 612-348-5151.
Contacts: Pat
O'Connor, Taxpayer Services: 612-348-4084. Carol Arnold, Public
Affairs: 612-348-8536.
