Voter ID requirements protect against impersonation and fraud

Overview Debates Related claims Topics Sources

If a person has registered to vote and is on the voter rolls, they should be allowed to vote

Proving one's identity is compatible with democratic elections

Voter ID requirements make it harder for some people to vote

Every person who wants to vote should be able to present a valid ID

Requiring voter ID nationwide disproportionately impacts people who have been historically marginalized in the United States

The difficulty of obtaining an ID in the U.S. is the core issue in the voter ID debate, not the requirement itself

There is no evidence of widespread voter fraud in the United States

Adding an extra layer of ID requirement at the polls evokes unpleasant and problematic historical memories for many people in the U.S.

There is no voter fraud

Elderly people may be negatively affected by voter ID laws as they may not have a driver's license or may have an expired one

The primary problem with elections is ineligible people voting, not necessarily widespread fraud

Adding barriers to voting, such as ID requirements, might decrease turnout, particularly in less affluent communities

Obtaining a valid ID in the U.S. should not be difficult

Requiring a voter to present an ID is a low bar

Adding a voter ID requirement is an extra layer of security intended to solve a problem that does not exist

Voters are required to present ID when they register to vote

Voters are already required to identify themselves during the registration process

Protecting the right to vote involves both ensuring every eligible citizen can cast a ballot and preventing fraudulent votes

Enhanced documentation requirements beyond existing state rules have been used in voter suppression efforts

National voter ID requirements would particularly affect vulnerable populations such as homeless people