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
- 2026-06-24: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 8 - 4.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-01T08:08:03Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose The legislation amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to establish a nationwide requirement that individuals provide photo identification when casting a ballot in elections for federal office. It also creates a grant program to help states and tribes issue free photo IDs to eligible individuals who cannot afford them.
Key Provisions
- In-person voting: Election officials may not issue a ballot unless the voter presents a valid physical photo ID. Voters without ID may cast a provisional ballot and must provide the required ID or a religious objection affidavit within three days.
- Non-in-person voting: Ballots must include either a copy of valid photo ID or the last four digits of the voter’s Social Security number plus an affidavit stating reasonable efforts were made to obtain a copy. Exceptions apply to absent uniformed services voters and certain elderly or handicapped voters.
- Public access: States must provide free access to digital imaging devices (scanners, copiers, printers) at government buildings such as libraries and courts for copying photo IDs.
- Registration notification: States must inform applicants of the photo ID requirement at the time of voter registration, including during online registration.
- Valid photo IDs defined: State-issued driver’s licenses, state ID cards, U.S. passports, military IDs, and tribal government IDs that include a photo and expiration date.
- Grant program: The Election Assistance Commission may award grants to states and tribal governments to cover the cost of providing free photo IDs to individuals who attest they cannot afford the fee.
Significant Changes to Existing Law This bill adds a new section (303A) to the Help America Vote Act that imposes mandatory photo ID rules for federal elections, which did not previously exist in this form. It expands the use of provisional ballots specifically tied to ID verification and creates a new grant program under Subtitle D of Title II. Conforming amendments update enforcement provisions and guidance timelines from the Election Assistance Commission.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: State and local election offices must update procedures for ballot issuance, provisional voting, registration notifications, and device access. The Election Assistance Commission gains responsibility for administering the new grant program.
- Citizens: Voters without photo ID may face additional steps such as obtaining a free ID or submitting an affidavit, though religious objections and affordability attestations provide accommodations.
- International relations: No direct effects are outlined in the legislation.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- State and local election officials responsible for implementing ID checks and notifications.
- Voters in federal elections, particularly those without current photo ID.
- Tribal governments that issue photo IDs and may receive grants.
- The Election Assistance Commission, which provides grants and guidance.
- Individuals eligible for free IDs through the new grant program.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The bill modifies federal election administration under the Help America Vote Act and ties provisional ballot acceptance to timely ID submission or affidavit. It does not address constitutional questions regarding voting access but introduces uniform national standards for photo ID that states must follow for federal elections, with an effective date 90 days after enactment.
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
- 2026-06-24: 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)