Senate Democrats vote against bill requiring photo ID to cast ballots

Under the bill, the Help America Vote Act of 2002 would be amended to require voters to show photo identification to vote.

Published: August 8, 2026 8:25am

Updated: August 8, 2026 8:42am

Senate Democrats voted against advancing a bill early Saturday that would have required photo ID to cast ballots.

Under the bill, the Help America Vote Act of 2002 would be amended to require voters to show photo identification to vote.

The final vote was 52-46.

Speaking out against the bill on the Senate floor, Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., said the bill is "stricter" than the rules in some states with voter ID laws.

Padilla said it would require voters to input a copy of their identification when voting by mail. 

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