LWVUS joined voting rights advocates in urging members of the House to oppose the Voter ID Act.
July 22, 2026
Dear Representative:
The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and the undersigned organizations urge you to oppose H.R. 7008, which, pursuant to a rule, will include the “Voter ID Act.” The Leadership Conference intends to include your position on H.R. 7008 in our voting record for the 119th Congress.
Much like the failed SAVE Act, the Voter ID Act is, at its core, part of a disinformation campaign aimed at casting doubt on the outcomes of certain elections. And much like the SAVE Act, it contains unnecessary and burdensome requirements that would make it harder and more expensive for U.S. citizens to vote and for state election officials to do their jobs.
Under the Voter ID Act, the list of acceptable forms of identification would be more restrictive than it currently is in almost any state in the country. The bill would prohibit voters from using many types of ID cards and other documents that are commonly used to prove identity and address. It would not provide adequate remedies for citizens who, despite being eligible, do not have and cannot obtain (or replace, if lost) one of the limited forms of acceptable ID in the short time period imposed under the bill. Unlike many states that currently require photo ID to vote, the most recent version of the bill would not require (or provide funding for) states to provide free ID to citizens who cannot afford it, effectively turning the bill into an unconstitutional poll tax.
The Voter ID Act would also impose significant new burdens on state election officials. States would be required to create new processes to ensure that citizens receive proper and timely notifications about the new requirements. Poll workers would need additional training and capacity to verify ID and resolve disputes. States are directed to provide free public access to printers, copiers, or other equipment “to the extent practicable” so that citizens can obtain copies of their ID to mail in with their ballots. Yet the bill provides zero funding for states to carry out any of these requirements – and while the federal Election Assistance Commission would normally be able to provide some useful guidance to states, President Trump just fired all of the agency’s leadership less than two weeks ago.
The Voter ID Act does not do anything to secure American elections. Instead, it would only exclude many eligible voters, particularly Latino, Black, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and Native American citizens; married women who have changed their names; low-income people; and people with disabilities. It would build upon increasingly restrictive voting laws enacted throughout the country in recent years. It would increase already-growing racial disparities in voter turnout. And it would prevent many eligible voters from exercising the most important civil right they have. As such, we urge you to oppose H.R. 7008.
Sincerely,
The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights