Sponsors (2)
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Amends section 303 of Title III of the Help America Vote Act by changing headings, striking specified paragraphs (paragraphs (1) through (3) of subsection (b)), redesignating paragraphs (4) and (5) as paragraphs (1) and (2), and changing a cross-reference in subsection (c).
Adds a new section (designated 303A) to Title III of the Help America Vote Act establishing photo identification requirements for voting in Federal elections, including: requiring valid photo ID to receive an in-person ballot (with provisional ballot procedures and a 3-day cure period or religious-objection affidavit); requiring copies of photo ID or last four SSN plus affidavit for ballots cast other than in person (with an exception for absent uniformed services voters); a State obligation to provide IDs without charge upon affidavit of inability to pay or inability to obtain; provisions to ensure public access to digital imaging devices at certain government buildings; a non-exhaustive list of acceptable photo IDs; requirements to notify applicants for voter registration (including online applicants) of the photo ID requirement; a process for States with existing laws to seek Attorney General confirmation (including a 180-day deemed-approval period); and an effective date for elections held in 2026 or any succeeding year.
Amends section 311(b) to add a new deadline for the Commission's recommendations with respect to the newly added section 303A.
Amends section 401 to include the new section 303A in the list of sections for which the Attorney General may seek declaratory or injunctive relief to enforce uniform and nondiscriminatory requirements.
Requires voters to show a valid photo ID to receive a ballot in federal elections, starting with the 2026 cycle. It defines acceptable IDs, allows voters without ID to cast a provisional ballot, and gives them a short time after Election Day to show ID so the ballot can count. States must inform applicants about the rule and help people who cannot get or afford ID by providing free IDs or free document copying needed to obtain ID. The measure sets national standards for federal elections while outlining limited exceptions and safeguards for access.
Free, fair, and secure elections are necessary to the prosperity of democracy in the United States and around the world.
The right to vote is a crucial aspect of American citizenship and must be protected from any potential interference, abuse, and fraud.
The Help America Vote Act of 2002 improved and standardized State and local governments’ administration of Federal elections, but the Act lacked strong provisions to validate a voter’s identity prior to voting.
A 2005 bipartisan Commission on Federal Election Reform report recommended that States require voters to use a valid identification that includes full legal name, date of birth, a signature, and a photo.
A June 2021 Monmouth University Polling Institute public survey indicated that 80 percent of Americans support requiring voters to show a photo identification in order to vote.
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Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
Introduced January 3, 2025 by Brian K. Fitzpatrick · Last progress January 3, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
Introduced in House