Voter ID Act
Sponsored By: Representative Steil, Bryan [R-WI-1]
In Committee
Summary
Photo ID requirement for federal elections would require voters to show a qualifying photo ID to cast ballots and pair that rule with a federal program to provide free IDs to people who cannot afford them.
Show full summary
- Voters in person would need to present a valid photo ID to vote. If a voter lacks ID they would get a provisional ballot and could use a narrowly defined religious objection affidavit as an alternative.
- Voters casting non‑in‑person ballots would have to include ID or an acceptable substitute. Allowed options include a copy of ID, the last four digits of a Social Security number plus a sworn statement that the person cannot obtain an ID, or a notarized statement that the ballot was personally marked. The bill also requires public access to devices to copy IDs at no cost and requires registration applicants to be notified about the ID rules, including an online notice.
- Low‑income people and eligible Tribal governments would be able to get federal grants to provide free state driver licenses, state ID cards, or Tribal IDs when the recipient attests they cannot afford the fee. The provisions would take effect 90 days after enactment.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
New photo ID rules for voting
If enacted, the bill would define which photo IDs count for federal voting and require a valid physical photo ID to get an in-person federal ballot starting 90 days after enactment. If you do not show an ID, you would be allowed to cast a provisional ballot but you would need to show the ID or a state affidavit claiming a religious objection to being photographed within 3 days for that provisional ballot to be counted under state rules. If enacted, mail and absentee ballots for federal office would need one of three verifications: a copy of a photo ID; the last four digits of your Social Security number plus a state affidavit that you tried but could not get an ID; or a notary attestation that you personally marked the ballot. States would have to notify people about the photo ID rules when they apply to register, and online systems would have to show the notice before finishing online registration.
Free ID help for low-income voters
If enacted, the Election Assistance Commission would make grants to states and to Tribal governments that give certain photo IDs free to eligible people who attest under penalty of perjury that they cannot afford the usual fee. Covered IDs are state driver's licenses, state motor-vehicle ID cards, and Tribal government-issued photo IDs that include an expiration date. The grants are conditioned on the state or Tribe actually providing the ID without charge. If enacted, states would also be required, when practicable, to offer free public use of printers, copiers, or scanners at government buildings so people can make free copies of photo IDs.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Steil, Bryan [R-WI-1]
WI • R
Cosponsors
Rep. Miller, Mary E. [R-IL-15]
IL • R
Sponsored 6/18/2026
Rep. Murphy, Gregory F. [R-NC-3]
NC • R
Sponsored 6/18/2026
Rep. Hinson, Ashley [R-IA-2]
IA • R
Sponsored 6/18/2026
Rep. Griffith, H. Morgan [R-VA-9]
VA • R
Sponsored 6/18/2026
Rep. Carey, Mike [R-OH-15]
OH • R
Sponsored 6/22/2026
Rep. Lee, Laurel M. [R-FL-15]
FL • R
Sponsored 6/24/2026
Rep. Kim, Young [R-CA-40]
CA • R
Sponsored 6/30/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov