HR9368-119

What This Bill Does

The Voter ID Act would make a valid physical photo ID a condition for receiving an in-person ballot in a Federal election. A voter without ID could cast a provisional ballot, but generally would have three days to present ID; a voter with a religious objection to being photographed could instead submit a State affidavit. A voter casting a ballot other than in person would have to include an ID copy or provide the last four Social Security number digits and an affidavit describing reasonable but unsuccessful efforts to obtain a copy. Absent uniformed-services voters and certain voters protected by Federal accessibility law are exempt from the remote-ballot rule. The requirements would take effect 90 days after enactment.

Who Benefits and How

Supporters of photo-ID safeguards could benefit from a uniform Federal-election identification rule. Voters with a religious objection to photography retain an affidavit cure, while absent uniformed-services voters and specified elderly or disabled voters retain remote-voting exceptions. People who cannot afford State or Tribal ID fees could receive qualifying photo identification without charge, and participating States and Tribal governments would receive Election Assistance Commission grants to offset that cost. Remote voters could use free imaging devices at government buildings to copy an ID.

Who Bears the Burden and How

In-person voters without qualifying photo ID must use a provisional ballot and meet a three-day cure deadline. Remote voters must submit an ID copy or Social Security digits and an affidavit, creating documentation and privacy burdens. State and local election offices are required to check documents, administer provisional-ballot cures, notify registration applicants, update online systems, and provide free access to scanners, copiers, printers, or similar devices. Applicants seeking free IDs must attest under penalty of perjury that they cannot afford the ordinary fee, and election officials must implement the new rules within 90 days.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits election officials from issuing an in-person Federal ballot without one of five specified forms of physical photo identification.
• Requires most voters without in-person ID to cure a provisional ballot within three days and creates a religious-objection affidavit alternative.
• Requires most remote ballots to include an ID copy or Social Security digits and an inability-to-copy affidavit, while preserving military and accessibility exceptions.
• Directs States to notify registration applicants and provide free public access to digital imaging devices in government buildings where practicable.
• Establishes Election Assistance Commission grants for States and Tribal governments that issue qualifying photo IDs without charge to eligible people who attest they cannot afford the fee.