All Roll Calls
Yes: 52 • No: 46
S5271119th Congress
A bill to amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to require voters to provide photo identification.
Sponsored By: Senator Husted, Jon [R-OH]
In Committee
Summary
This bill would create a nationwide photo ID requirement for federal elections. It would apply to both in-person and non-in-person voting and adds rules on provisional ballots, acceptable IDs, and state support for copying IDs.
Show full summary
- In-person voters would need to present a valid physical photo ID to receive a ballot. If they lack ID they could cast a provisional ballot but must show ID or submit a state affidavit of a religious objection within 3 days for an eligibility decision.
- Mail and absentee voters would have to include a copy of a valid photo ID with their ballot or provide the last four digits of their Social Security number plus a state affidavit saying they could not obtain an ID after reasonable efforts.
- States and local governments would be required, to the extent practicable, to offer free public access to devices that can copy or scan IDs at places like courthouses, libraries, or police stations.
- Acceptable IDs would include state driver’s licenses, state ID cards, U.S. passports, military IDs, and Tribal government IDs. The bill also includes specific exceptions for absent uniformed services voters and other voters who by law vote without appearing in person.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
New photo ID required to vote
This bill would require a photo ID to get a ballot in federal elections. The rule would take effect 1 day after enactment and apply to federal elections on or after that date. For in-person voting, you would need to show a valid physical photo ID to receive a ballot; if you do not, you could cast a provisional ballot and then, within 3 days, present the ID or a State affidavit saying you object to being photographed for religious reasons. For mail or other non-in-person voting, your ballot would not be accepted unless you send a copy of a valid photo ID or the last four digits of your Social Security number plus a State affidavit saying you tried but could not get an ID. Valid IDs would include a state driver’s license, state motor-vehicle ID card, U.S. passport, military ID, or Tribal ID.
State help and agency guidance
This bill would require States to tell voter registration applicants about the photo ID rules when they register. Online registration systems would have to show the notice before you finish registering. States would, when practical, provide free public access to printers, copiers, and scanners at government buildings so people can copy a photo ID at no cost. The bill would also update Election Assistance Commission guidance and enforcement cross-references to include the new photo ID requirements.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Husted, Jon [R-OH]
OH • R
Cosponsors
Sen. Moody, Ashley [R-FL]
FL • R
Sponsored 8/7/2026
Sen. Sullivan, Dan [R-AK]
AK • R
Sponsored 8/7/2026
Roll Call Votes
senate vote • 8/8/2026
On Cloture on the Motion to Proceed S. 5271
Yes: 52 • No: 46