H.R. 9368 · Where this bill is now
Waiting for a House vote
Approved by committee Jul 15, 2026; no House vote yet
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryRequires photo ID to vote in federal elections
This bill would require anyone voting in federal elections to show a valid photo identification before getting a ballot. If someone doesn't have an ID, they could cast a provisional ballot, but it would only be counted if they show an ID within three days or sign an affidavit (a sworn statement) saying they can't be photographed for religious reasons. The bill also sets rules for mail-in and early voting, generally requiring people to submit a photo ID copy or sign an affidavit saying they tried but couldn't get one. The bill creates grants to help states and tribal governments provide free photo IDs to eligible people.
How it affects you
If you vote in federal elections, you would need to bring a valid photo ID to vote in person. If you vote by mail, early, or by another method, you'd need to include a photo ID copy, the last four digits of your Social Security number with an affidavit, or a notarized statement that you marked your ballot yourself. Military voters stationed overseas and certain disabled or elderly voters would be exempt from some of these requirements.
Read the official summary (Reported to House, Jul 15, 2026)
Voter ID Act
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 physical photo identification.
Next, the bill outlines the availability of provisional ballots and the requirements for counting those ballots. 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 (1) submits the ballot with a copy of their photo identification or 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, or (2) includes a notarization attesting that the individual has personally marked the ballot. This prohibition shall not apply to overseas military voters and certain disabled or elderly voters.
The Election Assistance Commission must make grants to states and tribal governments that provide eligible individuals with free valid photo identification.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
2nd SessionH. R. 9368
A BILL
Voter ID Act
Sponsor: Rep. Bryan Steil (R-WI-1) · Introduced Jun 18, 2026 · Government Operations and Politics · 2 versions of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Jul 15, 2026: “Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 653.”