Sen. Husted Introduces Bill Requiring Photo ID for All Federal Elections
A bill to require voters to provide photo identification as a condition of casting a ballot, and for other purposes.
This bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process. It has been sent to the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration for review. No further actions are scheduled at this time.
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- This bill would require every person voting in a federal election to present a valid photo ID before receiving a ballot. Accepted forms 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.
From policy text
“the appropriate State or local election official may not provide a ballot for an election for Federal office to an individual who desires to vote in person unless the individual presents to the official a valid physical photo identification.”
View in full text - Voters who show up without ID can still cast a provisional ballot, but it only counts if they return within 3 days with valid photo ID or sign a sworn statement (affidavit) saying they have a religious objection to being photographed.
From policy text
“the individual shall be permitted to cast a provisional ballot with respect to the election under section 302(a), except that the appropriate State or local election official may not make a determination under section 302(a)(4) that the individual is eligible under State law to vote in the election unless, not later than 3 days after casting the provisional ballot”
View in full text - People voting by mail must include a copy of their photo ID or, if they cannot get a copy, provide the last four digits of their Social Security number plus a signed affidavit explaining why. Military members serving overseas and certain voters with disabilities are exempt from the mail-in ID requirement.
- States would be required to provide free access to printers, copiers, and scanners at public buildings like libraries, courts, and police stations so voters can make copies of their photo IDs at no cost.
From policy text
“the appropriate State or local government official of the State shall ensure, to the extent practicable, public access to a digital imaging device, which shall include a printer, copier, image scanner, or multifunction machine, at State and local government buildings in the State, including courts, libraries, and police stations”
View in full text - States must notify voters about the photo ID requirement at the time they register to vote, including through online registration systems, so no one is caught off guard at the polls.
From policy text
“Each State shall ensure that, at the time an individual applies to register to vote in elections for Federal office in the State, the appropriate State or local election official notifies the individual of the photo identification requirements of this section.”
View in full text
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
Milestones
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.
Introduced in Senate
Related News
2 articles
SAVE Act: Only some driver's licenses OK for voting
As the Senate debates the SAVE America Act, experts note that most standard driver's licenses would not suffice for registration under the bill's strict proof-of-citizenship requirements. The bill also implements a nationwide photo ID requirement for casting ballots in federal elections.
Q&A on the SAVE America Act
The bill requires voters to present photo ID for in-person and mail-in voting. Those without ID can cast a provisional ballot but must return within three days with identification or sign a religious objection form. Mail-in voters must provide a copy of their ID or their Social Security number.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
A bill to require voters to provide photo identification as a condition of casting a ballot, and for other purposes.
Data Sources
Sponsor
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