The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is reminding Texans in advance of the upcoming November election that Election Identification Certificates (EIC) are available year-round at all Texas driver license offices for individuals in need of proper identification required to vote in elections in Texas. Additional locations to apply for an EIC will be announced in the near future.

The 2014 general election in Texas is Nov. 4, with early voting from Oct. 20 - 31. The last day to register to vote in the 2014 election is Monday, Oct. 6.

Most residents already have an acceptable form of photo identification needed for voting and will not need or qualify for an EIC. If an applicant already has any of the following documents, they are not eligible to receive an EIC:

• Texas driver license – unexpired or expired no longer than 60 days at the time of voting
• Texas personal identification card – unexpired or expired no longer than 60 days at the time of voting
• U.S. passport book or card – unexpired or expired no longer than 60 days at the time of voting
• Texas concealed handgun license – unexpired or expired no longer than 60 days at the time of voting
• U.S. Military identification with photo – unexpired or expired no longer than 60 days at the time of voting
• U.S. Citizenship Certificate or Certificate of Naturalization with photo

To apply for an EIC, applicants may visit a driver license office and complete an Application for Texas Election Certificate (DL-14C).

(For the Spanish language version of the EIC application, see http://www.dps.texas.gov/internetforms/forms/DL-14CS.pdf)

To qualify for an EIC, an applicant must:

• Bring documentation to verify U.S. citizenship and identity
• Be eligible to vote in Texas (Bring a valid voter registration card or submit a voter registration application through the Texas Department of Public Safety)
• Be a Texas resident
• Be 17 years and 10 months or older

To avoid delays or complications, DPS urges potential applicants to make sure they have the necessary documentation before arriving at the office.

The EIC receipt an individual receives will include their photo and can be used for voting until the permanent card is delivered by mail.

The EIC is free of charge to qualifying applicants and is valid for six years. There is no expiration date for an EIC for citizens 70 years of age or older. The EIC can only be used for the purpose of voting in an election and may not be used as personal identification.

For more information on the requirements, exemptions and process for obtaining an EIC, please visit: http://www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/electionID.htm.

For more information on voting in Texas, visit the Secretary of State’s website: www.votetexas.gov.