Tuesday first big test for voter ID law

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP/WPRI) - Tuesday is the first big test of Rhode Island's new voter ID law.

The law requires voters show identification before they cast a ballot. Non-photo identification is allowed this year, including a bank statement or utility bill. A government-issued photo ID is required starting in 2014.

“If they don’t have a picture ID, a utility bill to prove where they live and their place of residence, so that’s probably the most important thing that people need to know. Make sure they have some form of identification,” said Wayne Forrest, Warden at Rumford Towers in East Providence.

Those who don't have ID can cast a provisional ballot, which will be counted if the signatures on the ballot and voter registration match.

Chris Barnett, a spokesman for the secretary of state's office, says there have been four elections this year that required voter ID, including the presidential primary, September primary, and locally in Central Falls and North Kingstown.

He says about 100,000 people voted in those contests, and about 85 provisional ballots were cast.

Barnett says they expect turnout of around 400,000.