Summary of Bill HR 156
Bill 119 HR 156, also known as the "Election Integrity and Security Act," aims to establish consistent photo identification requirements for voting in elections for Federal office. The bill seeks to ensure that only eligible voters are able to cast their ballots and prevent any potential instances of voter fraud.
Under this legislation, individuals would be required to present a valid photo ID in order to vote in Federal elections. This photo ID would need to be issued by a government agency and include the individual's name, photograph, and expiration date. Acceptable forms of identification would include driver's licenses, passports, and state-issued identification cards.
The bill also includes provisions for individuals who do not have a valid photo ID, allowing them to obtain a free voter identification card from their state government. This card would serve as a valid form of identification for voting purposes.
Proponents of the bill argue that implementing consistent photo identification requirements will help to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process and prevent any potential instances of voter fraud. Critics, however, raise concerns about potential barriers to voting for marginalized communities who may face challenges in obtaining a valid photo ID.
Overall, Bill 119 HR 156 seeks to address concerns about election integrity and security by establishing clear and consistent photo identification requirements for voting in Federal elections. The bill aims to strike a balance between ensuring the integrity of the electoral process and protecting the right of all eligible individuals to participate in the democratic process.
Congressional Summary of HR 156
Securing our Elections Act of 2025
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 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.