By SAMANTHA SARACINO
6 News Reporter
KNOXVILLE ( WATE ) - State and local officials are still working to get the word out about a new law requiring photo ID for Tennessee voters. The law takes effect at the start of the new year.
On Monday, the state safety commissioner said nearly 2,400 IDs had been issued for voting since the law passed in the summer. However, the state has also said about 126,000 voters have driver's licenses without their pictures on them.
Ninety-five counties in Tennessee had town hall meetings Tuesday to discuss voter IDs.
"The message is go out and get a photo ID this year. Don't procrastinate and wait until next year. One of the reasons is, we don't want this to slip up on folks and that's for those who don't have a photo ID already," explained Tennessee Elections Coordinator Mark Goins.
A handful of people came out to learn more about the law and hear how they can easily get their photo IDs.
"On Saturdays in Knox County, the first Saturday of every month, the local driving testing center will be open," Goins said.
Fifteen other counties are also doing this, and the county clerks are helping out as well.
"If you are over 60 and you don't have your photo on your driver's license, you can come in, we'll take your photo and put it on there free of charge," said Knox County Clerk Foster Arnett.
Thirty county clerks offices are offering this, and they hope the convenience brings more people in to get their IDs.
"We've got about 6,000 people in Knox County who don't have a photo on their driver's license right now. And today, we've got about 100 in the past few weeks so we feel like were getting there," Arnett explained.
"Of course if someone does not have a photo ID on election day, they will go in and vote with a provisional ballot and they will have two days to bring that photo ID in," Goins said.
People can also vote absentee by mail if they qualify.
For those who missed the information sessions Tuesday, the state has set up a new website with video of a town hall meeting and information for voters. You can visit www.govotetn.com
