Bill > S5271

This bill amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to require voters to present a valid photo identification when voting in person for federal elections, though individuals who cannot provide such ID may cast a provisional ballot if they present an affidavit attesting to a religious objection to being photographed or if they are unable to obtain ID after reasonable effort, with certain exceptions for military and overseas voters. For those voting by mail, a copy of a valid photo ID or the last four digits of their Social Security number along with an affidavit of inability to obtain photo ID must be submitted with their ballot, again with exceptions for military and overseas voters. The bill also mandates that states provide public access to digital imaging devices like printers and scanners at government buildings at no cost to help voters make copies of their identification, and requires that individuals be notified of these photo ID requirements when they register to vote, including online. A "valid photo identification" is defined to include state-issued driver's licenses or ID cards with photos, U.S. passports, military IDs, and tribal government IDs, with "valid military identification" specifically referring to IDs from the Department of Defense or Department of Veterans Affairs. These provisions are set to take effect one day after enactment and apply to federal elections held thereafter.