America Votes Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Rep. Larsen, Rick [D-WA-2]
- Committees
- Committee on House Administration (primary)
- Last action
- Oct 1, 2026
Bottom line
The America Votes Act of 2026 aims to standardize and broaden acceptable forms of voter identification in federal elections by allowing a sworn statement to substitute for traditional ID, potentially increasing voter access while raising concerns about election security.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to allow voters in federal elections to satisfy state-mandated photo or other identification requirements by submitting a sworn written statement. This statement, signed under penalty of perjury, would attest to the individual's identity and voter registration, and would be accepted for both in-person and mail-in voting. States would be required to provide pre-printed versions of this statement at polling places and with absentee ballots.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that this bill removes a significant barrier to voting for eligible citizens who may lack readily available government-issued identification, such as the elderly, low-income individuals, students, and those with disabilities. They contend it upholds the fundamental right to vote by ensuring that no eligible voter is disenfranchised due to ID requirements, while the penalty of perjury provides a sufficient deterrent against fraud.
Opponents contend
Opponents assert that allowing a sworn statement in lieu of physical identification weakens election integrity and increases the risk of voter fraud. They argue that robust ID requirements are essential to prevent impersonation and ensure that only eligible voters cast ballots, and that this bill undermines public confidence in election outcomes.
The bill is very short and straightforward, making it highly accessible for a reader to understand its core provisions quickly.
Section 2(a), inserting new Section 303A(a) into HAVA.
Sworn Statement as Voter Identification
This provision mandates that any state requiring identification to vote in a federal election must accept a sworn written statement from the voter attesting to their identity and registration. This statement must be signed under penalty of perjury and can be used for both in-person voting at polling places and for mail-in ballots.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision is crucial for enfranchising eligible voters who face challenges obtaining or presenting traditional forms of ID, ensuring that the right to vote is not unduly burdened by administrative hurdles.
Critics contend
Critics contend this provision weakens election security by allowing individuals to vote without verifiable photo identification, potentially opening the door to impersonation and other forms of voter fraud.
Tradeoffs
Balances the goal of maximizing voter access against concerns about election security and the integrity of the identification process.
Section 2(a), inserting new Section 303A(b) into HAVA.
Regular Ballot for Sworn Statement Users
This section explicitly prohibits states from requiring individuals who use a sworn written statement to meet identification requirements from casting a provisional ballot. Instead, these voters must be allowed to cast a regular ballot.
Section 2(a), inserting new Section 303A(c) into HAVA.
First-Time Voter ID Exception
This provision clarifies that the new rule allowing sworn statements for ID does not apply to first-time voters who registered by mail and are already subject to specific identification requirements under existing HAVA Section 303(b). These voters still need to present a specific form of ID as per current law.
Section 3, amending HAVA Section 302(b)(2).
Public Information on Sworn Statement Use
This provision requires states to include information about how individuals can use a sworn written statement to meet identification requirements in the voting information materials posted at polling places. This ensures voters are aware of this alternative method.
This provision states that the new allowance for sworn written statements as voter identification does not apply to first-time voters who registered by mail and are subject to existing HAVA identification requirements under Section 303(b).
Section 2(a), inserting new Section 303A(c) into HAVA.
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice for defining the precise scope of a new rule by referencing existing law and creating specific carve-outs. It's not necessarily evasive.
Case for: Supporters would argue this exception maintains a necessary and generally accepted safeguard for a specific category of voters where initial registration verification is still a concern, balancing broader access with existing integrity measures.
Case against: Critics might argue that if sworn statements are deemed secure enough for other voters, this exception creates an inconsistent standard, potentially confusing voters or creating an unnecessary hurdle for a specific group.
Estimated impact: This provision ensures that a specific, smaller subset of voters (first-time registrants by mail) will still need to provide traditional forms of ID, maintaining a current verification step for them.