Cohen Introduces Voter ID Accessibility Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN-9) today introduced the Voter ID Accessibility Act to amend the Motor Voter Law to expand access to photo identification in those states that require it for voting.

“Voting is a fundamental right and we must eliminate whatever barriers exist,” said Congressman Cohen. “As long as states continue to pass unfair photo ID laws, the Voter ID Accessibility Act would help ensure that voters in those states will have access to any identification that may be required.”

The history of this nation is one of expanding access to voting. Unfortunately, several states have recently imposed burdensome photo ID requirements, and many other states may soon follow. These requirements pose a disproportionate impact on seniors, minorities, students, and low-income people who are less likely to have the proper identification and may not know how to obtain it. Many people are even facing difficulty locating and assembling the proper documentation they are required to show in order to receive an ID.

The National Voter Registration Act of 1993, also known as the Motor Voter Law, was an important step forward in expanding access to voting. Under this law, various state and federal offices that provide public assistance are required to offer individuals the opportunity to register to vote and to provide assistance in completing voter registration applications.

The Voter ID Accessibility Act would build on this critical legislation to require, in any state with a photo ID mandate for voting, that these offices notify individuals of the mandate and offer them the opportunity to obtain suitable identification free of charge. It would also require that the agencies offer assistance in collecting and processing whatever documents may be necessary to obtain identification.