Voter identification; identification containing a photograph required. (SB127)
Introduced By
Sen. Mark Obenshain (R-Harrisonburg) with support from co-patron Sen. Bryce Reeves (R-Spotsylvania)
Progress
✓ |
Introduced |
✗ |
Passed Committee |
☐ |
Passed House |
☐ |
Passed Senate |
☐ |
Signed by Governor |
☐ |
Became Law |
Description
Voter identification; identification containing a photograph required. Requires presentation of a form of identification containing a photograph in order to vote. The bill repeals the provisions of law permitting a voter who does not have one of the required forms of identification to vote after signing a statement, subject to felony penalties for false statements, that he is the named registered voter he claims to be. Instead, the bill provides that such voter is entitled to cast a provisional ballot. Read the Bill »
Outcome
Bill Has Failed
History
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| 01/07/2022 | Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/12/22 22101899D |
| 01/07/2022 | Referred to Committee on Privileges and Elections |
| 01/18/2022 | Passed by indefinitely in Privileges and Elections (9-Y 6-N) (see vote tally) |
Comments
I urge the Committee to reject this bill. Requiring voters to present a government-issued photo ID will take away the right to vote from thousands of Virginians. As a community volunteer with Spread the Vote, a 501c3 organization, I have met more than 200 people in the last few years who have lost their IDs or never had one. Most of these people were unhoused and/or financially unable to obtain a DMV ID. For privileged people like myself and the members of this General Assembly, getting an ID is relatively easy and affordable. Not so for many of our neighbors. Do not disenfranchise them by requiring a photo ID.