This bill establishes new, consistent photo identification requirements for voting in federal elections, amending the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to enhance election integrity and security. It aims to standardize voter identification across states, applying to federal elections held in 2026 and subsequent years. For in-person voting , individuals must present a valid photo identification to receive a ballot. If a voter lacks the required ID, they may cast a provisional ballot, but must present the ID or an affidavit of religious objection within three days for their vote to be counted. For non-in-person voting , such as mail-in ballots, voters must submit a copy of a valid photo ID or the last four digits of their Social Security number with an affidavit of inability to obtain a copy. An exception is made for overseas military voters. The bill defines valid photo identification to include state-issued driver's licenses, ID cards, U.S. passports, military identification, or other government-issued IDs. To ensure accessibility, states must provide free photo identification to those unable to afford or obtain one, and ensure public access to digital imaging devices for making free ID copies. States must also notify voter registration applicants of these new requirements. States with existing photo ID laws that meet or exceed these federal standards can be deemed compliant upon Attorney General approval.
Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
Government Operations and Politics
Computers and information technologyElections, voting, political campaign regulationState and local government operations
Securing our Elections Act of 2025
USA119th CongressHR-156| House
| Updated: 1/3/2025
This bill establishes new, consistent photo identification requirements for voting in federal elections, amending the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to enhance election integrity and security. It aims to standardize voter identification across states, applying to federal elections held in 2026 and subsequent years. For in-person voting , individuals must present a valid photo identification to receive a ballot. If a voter lacks the required ID, they may cast a provisional ballot, but must present the ID or an affidavit of religious objection within three days for their vote to be counted. For non-in-person voting , such as mail-in ballots, voters must submit a copy of a valid photo ID or the last four digits of their Social Security number with an affidavit of inability to obtain a copy. An exception is made for overseas military voters. The bill defines valid photo identification to include state-issued driver's licenses, ID cards, U.S. passports, military identification, or other government-issued IDs. To ensure accessibility, states must provide free photo identification to those unable to afford or obtain one, and ensure public access to digital imaging devices for making free ID copies. States must also notify voter registration applicants of these new requirements. States with existing photo ID laws that meet or exceed these federal standards can be deemed compliant upon Attorney General approval.