Securing our Elections Act of 2023 This bill establishes certain photo identification requirements for voting in federal elections. 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. 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. 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. The bill also requires an election official 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.
Impact
If enacted, HB 154 would significantly alter the voting landscape, as it modifies Title III of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 by introducing stringent ID requirements. This change could result in stricter voter validation processes, potentially impacting voter turnout, particularly among populations who may lack readily available identification. This legislative measure also aligns with growing national discussions surrounding voter ID laws, reflecting a desire among proponents to secure elections against fraud, while critics express concerns over accessibility and the disenfranchisement of eligible voters without IDs or the means to obtain them.
Summary
House Bill 154, titled the 'Securing Our Elections Act of 2023,' aims to enhance election integrity by instituting standard photo identification requirements for voters in federal elections. The bill stipulates that no ballot for a federal election can be provided to a voter who does not present a valid photo ID. It further prescribes the conditions under which provisional ballots may be utilized for individuals lacking proper identification and delineates the process for validating such provisional ballots. Additionally, the bill emphasizes that individuals who cannot afford a photo ID or have other obstacles to obtaining one must still be able to vote, with provisions for state officials to provide these IDs at no charge in those instances.
Contention
The core points of contention surrounding HR 154 relate to the balance between securing election processes and ensuring equitable access to voting. Opponents argue that stringent ID requirements could disproportionately affect marginalized communities, including low-income individuals and people of color, thus infringing on their voting rights. Proponents of the bill cite studies and public opinion, claiming widespread support among the electorate for photo ID requirements, arguing that they bolster public confidence in election integrity. Nevertheless, the implications of this legislation remain contested as stakeholders debate how best to ensure both fair and secure voting practices.
Securing our Elections Act of 2025This bill establishes certain photo identification requirements for voting in federal elections.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.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.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.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.
Elections; voter identification containing photograph required; who may register up to and including the day of the election; absentee ballot application requirements; absentee voting in person availability; return of absentee ballots.
An Act To Amend Titles 15 And 21 Of The Delaware Code Relating To Photographic Identification In Delaware Elections And Obtaining Nondriver Identification Cards.