On November 5, voters across the country went to the polls at near-record numbers. Early voting and vote-by-mail participation also reached historic highs. But amid this surge in voter engagement, there remains a significant divide in how states approach one of the most fundamental aspects of our elections: voter identification.
According to a 2024 review by the National Conference of State Legislatures, nine states—Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin—require strict photo identification at the polls. Another three states—Arizona, North Dakota, and Wyoming—require non-photo IDs but still demand proof of identity. In these states, voters who fail to present an ID cast a provisional ballot that is set aside until the voter returns with valid identification. I applaud this process.
In contrast, 14 other states request photo IDs but allow voters without one to sign an affidavit or have their signature verified by an election judge. Thirteen additional states request any form of identification, whether it’s a photo ID or not.
Then there are states like Illinois, that do not require any form of identification at the polls. This raises an important question: In an era where the sanctity of our elections is more important than ever, shouldn’t we take every reasonable step to ensure the integrity of our voting system?
On November 5, voters in Nevada, where no form of voter ID is required, sent a clear message. They overwhelmingly approved a ballot proposition that would amend the state constitution to require photo ID for in-person voting, or the last four digits of a driver’s license or Social Security number for mail-in ballots. With 73.3% of voters in favor, Nevada’s decision is a strong endorsement of the need for clear, verifiable identification at the polls or when voting from home.
When Republicans file voter ID bills in the Senate (SB 2917 and SJRCA 14 in the 103rd General Assembly [GA], and SBs 2949 and 3057 in the 102nd GA), they are blocked by Democrat leaders who argue that Voter ID laws suppress access to ballots because some people cannot afford photo IDs. Meanwhile, these same Democrats have continually supported legislation providing free photo ID cards to those who cannot afford them or would otherwise have difficulty obtaining them. These laws include measures that provide free state identification cards to seniors aged 65+, homeless people, and those leaving our prisons.
If the controlling party has proven they are interested in making sure free IDs are available, why shouldn’t we require voters to present an ID at the polls? Why would Democrats not join us in wanting fairness and transparency in our elections?
Another notable development from the recent election is the growing trend of constitutional amendments clarifying that only U.S. citizens are eligible to vote. In November, voters in eight states—Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Wisconsin—approved measures to enshrine this principle in their state constitutions.
This follows similar amendments that passed in Alabama, Colorado, and Florida in recent years. By reaffirming the right to vote as exclusive to citizens, these amendments reflect a nationwide commitment to safeguarding the integrity of our elections.
The importance of election integrity cannot be overstated. Voter ID laws are one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent voter impersonation and ensure that only eligible voters are participating in our democracy. This is not about partisanship—it’s about protecting the legitimacy of every vote cast.
I invite all legislators, regardless of party affiliation, to join me in supporting measures that strengthen the integrity of our elections. We can and should have laws that ensure both access to the ballot box and the integrity of the process. The people of Nevada have shown the way. It’s time for Illinois—and the other states that have been unwilling—to follow suit.
