Final answer:
A person without a driver's license can use alternative identification such as a bank statement, utility bill, paycheck, or government document for voting. Some states provide free ID cards for voters, and provision ballots are available if ID is not presented at the polling place. These laws can disproportionately affect minorities and low-income individuals.
Step-by-step explanation:
For individuals who do not have a driver's license or other commonly accepted form of photo ID, there are alternative options to fulfill identification requirements for voting. When registering to vote by mail, a person must provide a form of identification either during the registration process or in person when voting for the first time in a federal election. Acceptable forms of identification can include a bank statement, utility bill, paycheck, or government document that has the voter's name and voting address. States like Indiana have implemented more rigorous laws, requesting photo identification at polling places, which has led to the provision of free state identification cards for voting. Laws across various states also differ post the Shelby decision, with some offering assistance in obtaining low-cost or free identification for voting purposes.
In the event that a voter does not have the required ID at the polling station, certain states may allow them to cast a provisional ballot, which will only be counted if the voter returns with the required ID within a set time frame. The Shelby decision impacted the 1965 Voting Rights Act and led to a new wave of state laws concerning voter identification. These laws often have a disproportionate effect on minority and low-income voters, making it more challenging for these groups to exercise their right to vote.