Securing our Elections Act of 2025
Securing our Elections Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Summary of the Securing our Elections Act of 2025 **What the Bill Does:** This bill would establish a federal photo ID requirement for voting in federal elections (elections for president, Congress, etc.). Under the bill, voters would need to show valid photo identification to receive a regular ballot. If someone doesn't have photo ID, they could cast a provisional ballot, but it would only count if they provide the required ID within three days—or submit an affidavit stating they don't have ID due to religious objections to being photographed. **Who It Affects:** The bill would impact all voters in federal elections across the country, as well as state and local election officials who administer elections.
It may particularly affect people without photo ID, elderly voters, people experiencing homelessness, and members of certain religious groups opposed to being photographed. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House. The bill addresses election administration and voting requirements, topics that have been subject to ongoing debate between Democrats and Republicans in recent years regarding ballot access versus election security.
CRS Official Summary
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.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.