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S. 5271 · Where this bill is now

In committee

Introduced in the Senate, Aug 5, 2026

What this bill does

In plain words · AI-written from the official summary

Requires photo ID to vote in federal elections

This bill would require people voting in federal elections to show valid physical photo identification to receive a ballot. If someone doesn't have photo ID, they can cast a provisional ballot, but it only counts if they show ID or sign a statement about a religious objection to photos within three days. For voting by mail or other methods, voters would need to submit a copy of their ID or their last four Social Security digits with a statement that they tried but couldn't get an ID, with some exceptions for overseas military voters and certain older or disabled voters.

How it affects you

If you vote in federal elections, you would need to bring valid photo identification to the polls. If you vote by mail, you'd need to include a copy of your ID or provide your Social Security number and explain why you couldn't get an ID. The bill says states should make digital imaging devices available so people can make free copies of their IDs.

Read the official summary (Introduced in Senate, Aug 5, 2026)

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 submits with the ballot (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 and certain disabled or elderly voters.

States must, to the extent practicable, ensure public access to digital imaging devices for individuals to make a free copy of their valid photo identification.

These requirements take effect one day after the bill's enactment.

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.

119th Congress
2nd Session
S. 5271

A BILL

A bill to amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to require voters to provide photo identification.

In the SenateNo vote yet

Sponsor: Sen. Jon Husted (R-OH) · Introduced Aug 5, 2026 · Government Operations and Politics · 1 version of the text

Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Aug 8, 2026: “Cloture on the motion to proceed to the measure not invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 52 - 46. Record Vote Number: 231.”

How Congress voted

Official roll calls

Senate · On Cloture on the Motion to Proceed · Aug 8, 2026

Rejected 52–46

YesNoDidn’t vote
PartyYesNoDidn’t vote
Democrats0441
Independents020
Republicans5201

Source: senate.gov · roll call 231

52–46Cloture on the Motion to Proceed Rejected
DemocratsRepublicans

Congress votes on whole bills and amendments, not on single sections.

Sections

Sections · 1