Americans Favor Photo ID Voting Requirement, Gallup Poll Reveals
- A recent Gallup Poll indicates that a significant majority of Americans favor implementing photo ID requirements for voting, as well as proof of citizenship for new registrants.
- The U.S. House of Representatives passed the SAVE Act, aimed at ensuring only citizens can vote, despite strong opposition in the Senate and a potential presidential veto.
- The widespread support for these measures suggests ongoing concerns about election integrity, particularly as millions of early ballots have already been cast.
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, a Gallup Poll conducted in the United States reveals significant public support for requiring photo identification when voting. Released on a Thursday, the poll shows that 84% of respondents favor this requirement, and 83% advocate for proof of citizenship when registering to vote for the first time. These findings are consistent with similar attitudes observed in a July 2022 poll. Currently, 36 states enforce voter ID requirements. Political discussions about election integrity are intensifying, especially following the passage of the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act by the House of Representatives, which aims to confirm that only American citizens are eligible to vote in federal elections. This legislation received backing from only five Democrats, indicating strong partisan divisions on the issue. The bill still needs to navigate opposition from Senate Democrats and faces a potential veto from President Biden. Notably, states like California maintain policies that do not require voters to show ID at polling stations. In September, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed new legislation prohibiting local governments from implementing ID requirements. This legislative landscape occurs against the backdrop of millions of voters already casting early ballots for the November 5 election, emphasizing the urgency of resolving these voting compliance issues. The findings from the Gallup Poll reflect ongoing concerns among voters about election security and the qualifications for participating in the democratic process, highlighting the complexities of U.S. voting rights and regulations as the elections draw near.