Bill · S. 5271· Senate(119-S-5271)
A bill to amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to require voters to provide photo identification.
- Introduced
- 8/5/2026
- Last activity
- 8/8/2026 — Cloture on the motion to proceed to the measure not invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 52 - 46. Record Vote Number: 231.
- Sponsored by
- Jon Husted
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 0
- Introduced
What this bill would do
This bill seeks to amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to implement photo identification requirements for federal elections. Individuals voting in person would be required to present a valid physical photo identification to receive a ballot. For those voting other than in person, the bill requires submitting a copy of a valid photo identification or providing specific details and an affidavit. The bill also establishes provisions for provisional ballots and provides access to digital imaging devices for making identification copies. Additionally, it mandates that states notify voters of these requirements during the registration process.
Yes· 3 of 6
Does this give the federal government more power?+3
The bill mandates federal photo ID requirements for all federal elections.
Does this protect the freedom to practise a religion?+2
The bill includes an affidavit option for those with religious objections to being photographed.
Would Native Americans be better off under this?+2
The bill explicitly recognizes Tribal government identification as valid.
The opposite· 3 of 4
Does this protect the right to vote?-3
The requirement of physical photo ID may create barriers to voting for certain demographics.
Does this make casting a ballot easier in practice?-3
Strict photo ID requirements can restrict overall access to the ballot for some voters.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?-3
The cost and effort of obtaining photo ID can disproportionately impact low-income individuals.
What Congress actually voted on
One recorded vote has been taken on this bill.
None of them settled the bill — every vote so far has been about whether to keep going.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Access to Documentation Tools: State or local government officials must ensure public access to digital imaging devices, such as printers or scanners, at locations like libraries or courts so individuals can copy their identification at no cost (Section 1(a)(2)(B)).
-
Provisions for Religious Objections: Voters who do not have the required identification may use an affidavit if they have a religious objection to being photographed (Section 1(a)(1)(B)(i)(II)).
-
Alternative Verification for Non-In-Person Voting: Individuals voting other than in person may use the last four digits of their Social Security number along with an affidavit if they are unable to obtain a photo ID after reasonable efforts (Section 1(a)(2)(A)(ii)).
-
Protections for Specific Groups: The identification requirements do not apply to absent uniformed services voters or individuals granted specific voting rights under the Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act (Section 1(a)(2)(B)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Mandatory Identification for In-Person Voting: Election officials may not provide a ballot for a federal election to an individual voting in person unless they present a valid physical photo identification (Section 1(a)(1)(A)).
-
Requirements for Non-In-Person Voting: Individuals voting other than in person must submit a copy of a valid photo identification or provide a Social Security number and an affidavit to have their ballot accepted (Section 1(a)(2)(A)).
-
Restrictions on Provisional Ballots: For a provisional ballot cast due to lack of identification to be considered eligible, the individual must present the required identification or a religious objection affidavit within 3 days (Section 1(a)(1)(B)(i)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Religious Freedom+2Improves Voting Access-3Improves Voting Rights-3
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Native Americans+2Good For People With Disabilities+2Good For Veterans+2Good For Low Income Households-3
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+3Improves Electoral Process+1Increase States Rights-2
- 8/8/2026
- Motion to proceed to consideration of measure made in Senate. (CR S4556)
- Cloture motion on the motion to proceed to the measure presented in Senate. (CR S4556)
- Cloture on the motion to proceed to the measure not invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 52 - 46. Record Vote Number: 231.
- 8/7/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 8/6/2026
- Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 547.
- 8/5/2026
- Introduced in the Senate. Read the first time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under Read the First Time.
- Introduced in Senate
4 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Ashley MoodyRepublican · Florida
Dan SullivanRepublican · Alaska