Voter Identification

Publication Date: September 2006

Publisher: Brennan Center for Justice

Author(s):

Research Area: Politics

Keywords: Voter ID

Type: Brief

Abstract:

Restrictive voter identification policies--especially those that require state-issued photo ID cards--threaten to exclude millions of eligible voters. As many as 10% of eligible voters do not have, and will not get, the identification required by strict voter ID laws. ID requirements fall hardest on people who have traditionally faced barriers at the polls. ID requirements are not justified by any serious or widespread problem. States should not implement burdensome identification requirements. States that do require proof of identity at the polls should permit an expansive range of proof.