Officials investigating large number of voter i.d. cards in Augusta

Officials in Augusta say the secretary of state's office is investigating why so many people are getting voter identification cards there.

The Richmond County board of elections says it has issued about 1700 voter identification cards since the process began in Georgia two years ago. That's the second highest number in any other county. Fulton County is the top. Officials say about 1900 of the cards have been issued there, although Fulton has about four to five times more registered voters.

Officials say the large number of cards issued in Richmond County has peaked the interest of the secretary of state and the district attorney. They say both agencies are investigating, and that they suspect the cards are being used to cash checks and for other purposes. That's illegal.

"The cards that are issued by the registrars in the state of Georgia are to be used for voting purposes only," says Lynn Bailey, director of the Richmond County board of elections. "It clearly states that on the front and and back of the card."

Bailey doesn't expect the issue to affect upcoming elections.

Counties provide voter i.d. cards to residents who have no other form of photo identification, such as a driver's license or a passport.