A bill to amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to require voters to provide photo identification.
Failed — did not advance.
Latest action (8 Aug 2026): Cloture on the motion to proceed to the measure not invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 52 - 46. Record Vote Number: 231.
What this bill does
S. 5271 would amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to require voters to present photo identification in order to vote. Beyond this core requirement, no further details of the bill's provisions are available, as its official text has not yet been published.
Because it would amend federal election law, the bill would primarily affect voters nationwide, who would need to provide photo identification as a condition of voting, as well as state and local election officials responsible for administering that requirement. The specific mechanics of implementation, such as what forms of identification would qualify or any exceptions, are not yet known.
The bill was introduced by Sen. Jon Husted (R-OH) on August 5, 2026. On August 8, 2026, the Senate held a cloture vote on the motion to proceed to the bill, which failed by a vote of 52-46 (Record Vote 231); a three-fifths majority (60 votes) is required to invoke cloture and overcome a filibuster. As a result, the bill did not advance to floor consideration and is not currently moving forward in the Senate, though it could be brought up again through further procedural action.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill establishes certain photo identification requirements for voting in federal elections.
Specifically, the bill prohibits a state or local election official from providing a ballot for a federal election to an individual who does not present valid physical photo identification.
Next, the bill outlines the availability of provisional ballots and the requirements for counting those ballots. An individual who does not present a valid photo identification must be permitted to cast a provisional ballot. However, an election official may not determine that the individual is eligible under state law to vote in the election unless, not later than three days after casting the provisional ballot, the individual presents (1) the identification required, or (2) an affidavit attesting that the individual does not possess the identification because of a religious objection to being photographed.
An election official may not allow for voting methods other than in-person voting unless the individual submits with the ballot (1) a copy of their photo identification, or (2) the last four digits of their Social Security number with an affidavit attesting that the individual is unable to obtain a copy of a valid photo identification after making reasonable efforts to obtain a copy. This prohibition shall not apply to overseas military voters and certain disabled or elderly voters.
States must, to the extent practicable, ensure public access to digital imaging devices for individuals to make a free copy of their valid photo identification.
These requirements take effect one day after the bill's enactment.
Timeline
8 Aug 2026
Cloture on the motion to proceed to the measure not invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 52 - 46. Record Vote Number: 231.
Common questions
- What does S. 5271 do?
- S. 5271 would amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to require voters to present photo identification in order to vote. Beyond this core requirement, no further details of the bill's provisions are available, as its official text has not yet been published. Because it would amend federal election law, the bill would primarily affect voters nationwide, who would need to provide photo identification as a condition of voting, as well as state and local election officials responsible for administering that requirement. The specific mechanics of implementation, such as what forms of identification would qualify or any exceptions, are not yet known. The bill was introduced by Sen. Jon Husted (R-OH) on August 5, 2026. On August 8, 2026, the Senate held a cloture vote on the motion to proceed to the bill, which failed by a vote of 52-46 (Record Vote 231); a three-fifths majority (60 votes) is required to invoke cloture and overcome a filibuster. As a result, the bill did not advance to floor consideration and is not currently moving forward in the Senate, though it could be brought up again through further procedural action.
- Has S. 5271 become law?
- Not yet. As of 8 Aug 2026, S. 5271 is failed cloture.
- Who sponsored S. 5271?
- S. 5271 was sponsored by Sen. Jon Husted [R-OH] (Republican-OH), with 2 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 5271?
- Cloture on the motion to proceed to the measure not invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 52 - 46. Record Vote Number: 231. (8 Aug 2026).
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