Voter ID Act

Key Points

• This bill would require every voter in a federal election to show a valid photo ID before receiving a ballot. Accepted forms of ID include a driver's license, state-issued ID card, U.S. passport, military ID, or Tribal government-issued ID, all of which must include a photo and expiration date.
• Voters who show up without ID can still cast a provisional ballot, but it will only be counted if they return within three days with a valid photo ID or a signed affidavit claiming a religious objection to being photographed.
• Mail-in voters must include a copy of their photo ID with their ballot. If they cannot obtain a copy, they can instead provide the last four digits of their Social Security number along with a signed affidavit. Military and overseas voters, as well as elderly and handicapped voters covered by existing law, are exempt from the mail-in ID requirement.
• States would be required to provide free public access to scanners, printers, and copiers at government buildings like libraries, courts, and police stations so voters can make copies of their IDs at no cost.
• A new grant program would fund states and Tribal governments to provide free photo IDs to people who swear under penalty of perjury that they cannot afford the usual fee. This is designed to address concerns that ID costs could prevent eligible voters from participating.
• The new requirements would take effect 90 days after the bill is signed into law. The Election Assistance Commission would also have 90 days to issue voluntary guidance to help states implement the changes.