# Plain Language Summary: America Votes Act of 2021

This bill changes how people can prove their identity when voting in federal elections. Right now, many states require voters to show a photo ID or other identification at the polls. This bill says that if a state has an ID requirement, voters should also be allowed to sign a sworn written statement instead—basically a document where you write down your name and information and swear under penalty of perjury that you are who you say you are. This would apply both to people voting in person at polling places and people voting by mail.

The bill requires states to make this easier by preparing pre-printed forms with blank spaces where voters can fill in their name and sign. At polling places, election workers would hand out these forms to anyone who needs them. For mail-in voting, states would include a copy of the form with every absentee ballot. The key point is that if you sign this statement, you'd get to cast a regular ballot right away—you wouldn't be forced to use a provisional ballot that gets counted later.

There's one exception: if you're voting for the first time and registered by mail, you might still need to show ID in the traditional way. The bill also requires states to post information at polling places explaining that voters can use this sworn statement option.

Supporters of this bill argue it makes voting more accessible for people who don't have photo ID readily available. Critics worry it could make it easier for ineligible people to vote. The practical effect would depend on how states implement it and how many people actually use the sworn statement option instead of bringing ID.

America Votes Act of 2021

Larsen, Rick

America Votes Act of 2021 This bill permits the use of sworn written statements to meet identification requirements for voting in federal elections. Specifically, an individual who is required to present identification as a condition of voting in a federal election may meet this requirement by presenting a sworn written statement attesting to the individual's identification and that he or she is registered to vote in the election. An individual who wants to vote by mail may submit such a statement with the ballot. States with an identification requirement must make copies of a preprinted version of the statement available for individuals to complete. Additionally, states must provide these individuals with a regular ballot instead of a provisional ballot. The bill does not apply to first-time voters registering by mail.