Story perspectives

Senate Rejects Photo ID Amendment in Voting Bill Vote

3/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

The 53-47 vote rejected a Republican amendment requiring photo ID for voting as part of the SAVE America Act.
Sen. Jon Husted (R-OH) proposed the amendment.
Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), the Senate Leader, criticized the amendment as overly restrictive.
Democrats opposed the amendment, noting support for voter ID but arguing its tie to SAVE Act provisions would disenfranchise voters.

History

Historical Context

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 aimed to eradicate racial discrimination in voting, establishing federal oversight in jurisdictions with histories of voter suppression. Following its enactment, registered Black voters surged from 1 million in 1965 to 3 million by 1970. However, the 2013 Shelby County v. Holder ruling weakened these protections, prompting ongoing debates about voter access and rights, highlighting the persistent struggle for equitable voting in America.

1 of 2

Story summary

The 53-47 vote rejected a Republican amendment requiring photo ID for voting as part of the SAVE America Act.
Sen. Jon Husted (R-OH) proposed the amendment.
Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), the Senate Leader, criticized the amendment as overly restrictive.
Democrats opposed the amendment, noting support for voter ID but arguing its tie to SAVE Act provisions would disenfranchise voters.

1 / 2