Voter ID Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9368
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Government Operations and Politics
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-07-15: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 653.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-18T03:36:23Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose The legislation amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to establish a nationwide requirement that voters present valid photo identification when casting ballots in federal elections. It also creates a grant program to help states and tribal governments issue free identification to eligible individuals who cannot afford it.
Key Provisions
- In-person voting: Voters must show a valid photo ID (such as a state driver's license, state ID card, U.S. passport, Department of Defense or Veterans Affairs photo ID, or qualifying tribal ID) to receive a regular ballot. Those without ID may cast a provisional ballot, which will be counted only if the voter provides the required ID or a religious-objection affidavit within three days.
- Voting other than in person: Ballots must be accompanied by a copy of valid photo ID, the last four digits of the voter's Social Security number plus an affidavit of inability to obtain ID, or notarization by a notary public. Exceptions apply to absent uniformed services voters and certain elderly or handicapped voters.
- Public access: States must make digital imaging devices (scanners, copiers, printers) available at no cost in government buildings such as libraries and courthouses for copying identification documents.
- Voter registration notification: States must inform applicants of the photo ID requirement at the time of registration, including through online systems.
- Grant program: The Election Assistance Commission may award grants to states and tribal governments to cover the cost of issuing free photo IDs to individuals who attest under penalty of perjury that they cannot afford the fee.
- Effective date: The requirements take effect 90 days after enactment.
Significant Changes to Existing Law The bill adds a new section (303A) to Title III of the Help America Vote Act, creating the first federal mandate for photo identification in federal elections. It modifies enforcement provisions and updates the Election Assistance Commission's voluntary guidance timeline. It also introduces a new grant program under Subtitle D for free state and tribal identification.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: State and local election offices must update procedures, train staff, provide free copying services, and handle additional provisional ballots and affidavits. The Election Assistance Commission gains new grant-administration duties.
- Citizens: Individuals without qualifying photo ID must obtain one or use alternative procedures; free ID grants and public copying devices aim to reduce barriers for those who cannot afford identification.
- International relations: No direct effects are specified in the legislation.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- State and local election officials responsible for ballot access and verification.
- Individual voters seeking to participate in federal elections.
- Tribal governments that issue qualifying identification documents.
- The U.S. Election Assistance Commission, which oversees grants and guidance.
- Applicants for voter registration.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The measure imposes uniform federal standards on a process traditionally managed by states, which may raise questions about federal authority over elections and potential challenges under the Voting Rights Act or constitutional provisions regarding equal access to the ballot. The bill includes limited accommodations for religious objections and financial hardship but does not address broader implementation costs or enforcement mechanisms beyond existing Help America Vote Act provisions.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (7)
Rep. Miller, Mary E. [R-IL-15], Rep. Murphy, Gregory F. [R-NC-3], Rep. Hinson, Ashley [R-IA-2], Rep. Griffith, H. Morgan [R-VA-9], Rep. Carey, Mike [R-OH-15], Rep. Lee, Laurel M. [R-FL-15], Rep. Kim, Young [R-CA-40]
Recent Actions
- 2026-07-15: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 653.
- 2026-07-15: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on House Administration. H. Rept. 119-750.
- 2026-07-15: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on House Administration. H. Rept. 119-750.
- 2026-06-24: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 8 - 4.
- 2026-06-24: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2026-06-18: Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
- 2026-06-18: Introduced in House
- 2026-06-18: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Voter ID Act — issued 2026-06-18 — PDF (10 pages)
- Voter ID Act — issued 2026-07-15 — PDF (12 pages)