Election Integrity
Supporters argue ID requirements help confirm that each voter is who they claim to be and build public confidence that elections are secure.
In plain English
When voting requires showing ID.
It's a rule that says you have to show some kind of ID, like a driver's license, before you can vote in person.
Simple example
As of 2024, 36 states had laws requesting or requiring voters to show identification at the polls, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, while states like California and Vermont do not generally require ID.
Why it matters
What the term actually changes.
Ballot Access
Critics argue strict ID rules can create hurdles for eligible voters who lack the required documents, particularly older, low-income, or minority voters.
How it works
The mechanics, in practice.
At The Polls
Poll workers ask voters to present an accepted form of ID before issuing a ballot. Accepted documents are defined by each state's law.
Provisional Ballots
Voters without acceptable ID may often cast a provisional ballot, which is counted later if they return with valid ID or if their eligibility is confirmed.
State Variation
States set their own rules, ranging from strict photo ID requirements to signature matching or no ID requirement at all, creating a patchwork across the country.
Related guide
Should voter ID be required for all federal elections?
A look at what voter ID laws currently require, how they vary by state, and the main arguments on each side.
Read the guide → Related issue brief
Should voter ID be required for all federal elections?
Lawmakers and voters remain divided over whether a uniform federal photo identification requirement would strengthen election integrity or create barriers to the ballot.
Read the brief →You’ve learned the term. Now vote.
Should voter ID be required for all federal elections?
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