The Senate voted on March 27 on an amendment from U.S. Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) that would have required voters to present photo identification at polling places, but the measure did not reach the necessary 60-vote threshold to advance, ending with a vote of 53-47.
The proposed amendment is part of ongoing discussions about election integrity and voter access in the United States. Supporters argue that requiring photo identification can help prevent fraud, while opponents raise concerns about potential barriers for eligible voters.
Husted said before the vote, “And I know what it takes to run an election where it is easy to vote and hard to cheat.” He also stated, “So I listened carefully to my colleagues on the other side of the aisle. They’ve said that they don’t object to photo ID, only the other provisions of the SAVE America Act.”
If passed, Husted’s amendment would have allowed Americans to use one of five forms of identification: a state-issued driver’s license or ID card, U.S. passport, military or veterans ID with a picture and expiration date, or tribal ID with a picture and expiration date. Husted emphasized during his remarks that “You can use a driver’s license, state ID, passport, military or veterans ID, or a tribal ID… No additional restrictions, no tricks, no games, no prohibition on absentee voting.”
Husted highlighted that more than 80% of Americans support such requirements and pointed out that “36 states already have some form of voter ID law in place.” He added: “States across our country have shown that you can simultaneously make it easy to vote and hard to cheat.”
According to his official website, Husted served as Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives before becoming Ohio secretary of state and lieutenant governor prior to joining the U.S. Senate. He has also defended voter roll integrity in a landmark Supreme Court decision according to his official website. Additionally,the official website reports he serves on Senate committees focused on health care policy as well as small business issues.
Husted closed his remarks by saying: “It’s time to set a nationwide standard for election integrity…” The debate over national voting standards is expected to continue as lawmakers consider further proposals.
