Ohio County Runs Afoul of Voter ID Rule

West Virginia does not require voters to provide identification at the polls unless they are newly registered, but as The Intelligencer of Wheeling reports, "poll workers in Ohio County are instructed to ask for identification if they do not recognize the voter."

"In addition, all those taking part in early voting at the courthouse always are asked to show a photo ID," the newspaper was told by county election officials.

That's news to Secretary of State Betty Ireland, who learned of the practice while speaking at West Liberty State College on Thursday, the article said.

"She was taken aback when someone in attendance — an Ohio County resident — said she already is asked to show identification at the polls and has been for the past seven years since she moved to the state," the newspaper reported.

The student was turned away at least once after forgetting her ID, Ireland was told. "Such is the reason Ireland said she opposes requiring voter identification in the state," the article continued. "The voter often won’t return if not permitted to vote, while many others — such as senior citizens, poorer residents and the handicapped — may not have a driver’s license."