This bill requires photo identification to vote in federal elections. Voters without ID may cast provisional ballots but must present ID or an affidavit within three days. Mail-in voters must include a copy of ID or last four Social Security digits with an affidavit. States must provide free IDs to those who cannot afford them.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
This bill requires photo identification to vote in federal elections. Voters without ID may cast provisional ballots but must present ID or an affidavit within three days. Mail-in voters must include a copy of ID or last four Social Security digits with an affidavit. States must provide free IDs to those who cannot afford them.
Last updated: 1/5/2026
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><strong>Securing our Elections Act of 2025</strong></p><p>This bill establishes certain photo identification requirements for voting in federal elections.</p><p>Specifically, the bill prohibits a state or local election official from providing a ballot for a federal election to an individual who does not present valid photo identification.</p><p>Next, the bill outlines the availability of provisional ballots and the requirements for counting those ballots. In particular, an individual who does not present a valid photo identification must be permitted to cast a provisional ballot. However, an election official may not determine that the individual is eligible under state law to vote in the election unless, not later than three days after casting the provisional ballot, the individual presents (1) the identification required, or (2) an affidavit attesting that the individual does not possess the identification because of a religious objection to being photographed.</p><p>An election official may not allow for voting methods other than in-person voting unless the individual submits the ballot with (1) a copy of their photo identification, or (2) the last four digits of their Social Security number with an affidavit attesting that the individual is unable to obtain a copy of a valid photo identification after making reasonable efforts to obtain a copy. This prohibition shall not apply to overseas military voters.</p><p>The bill also requires a state to provide an individual with a valid photo identification without charge if that individual presents an affidavit attesting to an inability to afford or otherwise obtain a valid photo identification.</p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Requires photo ID for federal elections
Allows provisional ballots without ID
Mail voters must include ID copy or SSN digits
States must provide free IDs to those in need
Exception for military overseas voters
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
Voters would need to present photo ID to cast regular ballots in federal elections. Supporters say this prevents fraud while opponents argue it creates barriers for eligible voters. The free ID provision addresses cost concerns but questions remain about access.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Government Operations and Politics
Related Subjects
Computers and information technology
Elections, voting, political campaign regulation
State and local government operations
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
156, 119th Congress (2025). "Securing our Elections Act of 2025". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-156
