May 19, 2013
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- State election officials say the small number of Tennesseans who didn't have proper identification during early voting indicates people are adjusting to a new law that requires them to have a photo ID to vote, but others say the real test will be the November general election.
Tennessee's 12-day early voting period ended Tuesday. During that time, Election Coordinator Mark Goins said there were more than 200,000 voters, and only 46 showed up without a photo ID.
However, Vanderbilt University political science professor Bruce Oppenheimer said the early voters are a "bad sample of the general electorate" because they don't accurately reflect voters that tend to vote in the general election.
The measure has stirred much debate, with critics saying requirements to comply with the law are excessive and confusing.
