Senate Republicans are pushing Democrats to go on the record about whether to require photo identification in federal elections, forcing a vote on an issue that has the support of most Americans but has been the cause of political division on Capitol Hill.
The Senate voted 53-47 along party lines on a proposal to require photo ID when voting, falling short of the 60-vote threshold to attach it to Utah Sen. Mike Lee’s broader election reform bill. That underlying bill, the SAVE America Act, would already implement photo ID requirements — but the amendment vote on Thursday was meant to pressure Democrats by giving it a standalone vote.
The amendment is only the second vote related to the SAVE America Act since Senate Republicans initiated their floor takeover last week. Republicans such as Lee have taken to the floor for hourslong speeches and debate in an effort to pass the long-shot election reform bill.
The legislation would require at least 60 votes to overcome a filibuster, meaning seven Democrats would need to buck party lines to advance the legislation — something the party has been adamant not to do.
Democrats oppose the sweeping legislation, arguing it would establish strict requirements too close to an election. But Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., left the door open to ID requirements — perking the ears of Republicans who want to put Democrats on the record.
“I’m giving a chance to put their money where their mouth is, to actually follow with their actions what their words have said,” Ohio Sen. Jon Husted, who was leading the amendment, said in a video on X. “We have a simple, common sense, straightforward photo ID amendment that we’re going to offer for a vote today, and the Democrats will get a chance to go on record to see whether they agree with 80% of the American people that photo ID should be required to vote in this country.”
Both Lee and Sen. John Curtis voted in favor of the amendment.