With June federal elections around the corner, representatives from the Mississippi secretary of state’s office were at Poppa’s Fish House Tuesday to inform city and county officials and Lions and Servitium Club members on recent changes to voter ID law.

In the months leading up to the elections, the office is taking a proactive role in spreading the news about the ID law, and implementing ways to make the voting process as convenient as possible.

“It’s very easy, it’s simple and it’s free,” said Voter ID Coordinator Shirley Hall. “There will be a way for everyone to vote.”

Officials informed the group that a W-2, paycheck stub or most other forms of documentation with the voter’s name and current address on it will allow one the opportunity to vote this June.

Even voters without ID or documentation of name and address will be able to vote by affidavit. After placing their vote, the individual will then have five business days to contact the circuit clerk’s office to confirm their identification.

Hall also noted that her office will coordinate transportation for voters.

“We will make it as convenient as possible. We will even schedule transportation around voters schedules,” said Hall.

In recent months, Lincoln County Circuit Clerk Dustin Bairfield has been spreading the word regarding the availability of photo voter ID cards. Cards can be obtained at his office in the Brookhaven Lincoln County Government Complex at no charge.

To get a voter ID card at the clerk’s office, one will need one of the following types of documents:

• Any expired, but valid, document having the voter’s name and photograph issued by the U.S. government or any U.S. state.

• A birth certificate or any other document with the voter’s full legal name, date and place of birth.

• A Social Security card.

• A Medicare card.

• A Medicaid card.

• A Mississippi Voter Registration card.

• Documentation with a voter’s name and current address issued within the preceding six months.

Mississippi voters approved a citizen-initiated Constitutional Amendment for a voter ID law in 2011. The ID law will go into effect beginning with the June 3 primary election.

“Our main role is to implement the law. The law is interested in making sure people are who they say they are. With that in mind, it’s our job to make sure we provide potential voters every avenue possible to allow them to vote,” said Assistant Secretary of State Drew Snyder. “No one will be turned away.”

For more information or assistance, voters may call 1-855-868-3745 or visit the Mississippi Voter ID website at www.MSVoterID.ms.gov.