S. 5271: To amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to require voters to provide photo identification.

This bill would change federal election law to require most voters to show photo identification before casting a ballot in elections for federal office.

What would be required for in-person voting

If a person votes in person in a federal election, election officials could not issue a regular ballot unless the voter presents a valid physical photo ID. The bill says acceptable IDs would include:

• a state driver’s license with a photo and expiration date,
• a state-issued photo ID card with an expiration date,
• a U.S. passport,
• a military ID, or
• a Tribal government photo ID with an expiration date.

What happens if someone does not have ID at the polling place

If a voter does not have the required photo ID, they would still be allowed to cast a provisional ballot. However, that ballot would only count if, within 3 days after voting, the person either:

• shows the required photo ID, or
• submits an affidavit from the state saying they do not have the ID because of a religious objection to being photographed.

Rules for mail, absentee, and other non-in-person voting

For ballots submitted without voting in person, the bill would generally require the voter to include either:

• a copy of a valid photo ID, or
• the last four digits of their Social Security number plus a state affidavit saying they could not obtain a copy of a valid photo ID after making reasonable efforts.

This requirement would not apply to certain voters, including:

• absent uniformed services voters (such as some military voters), and
• some voters with disabilities who are allowed to vote by other than in-person means under existing law.

Help with making copies of ID

The bill would require states, to the extent practicable, to provide public access to devices such as printers, copiers, scanners, or multi-function machines in government buildings, including courts, libraries, and police stations. These would be available at no cost so people can make copies of their photo ID.

Notice to voter registration applicants

When someone applies to register to vote in federal elections, states would have to inform them about the photo ID requirement. For online registration, the notice would have to appear before the person finishes the registration process.

When the bill would take effect

The new rules would take effect one day after enactment and would apply to federal elections held on or after that date.

Relevant Companies

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