As concerns over election integrity continue to be a hot topic leading up to the 2024 presidential election, a recent Gallup Poll has revealed that a significant majority of Americans are in favor of implementing photo identification as a prerequisite for voting in elections.
The poll, released on Thursday, indicates that a striking 84% of respondents support the requirement of a photo ID, while 83% back the notion of providing proof of citizenship when registering to vote for the first time. These findings are consistent with voter sentiments observed in a previous Gallup poll conducted in July 2022.
Currently, 36 states either request or mandate voters to present IDs when casting their ballots, reflecting a widespread practice across the nation.
In a move to safeguard American voter eligibility, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act in July. The bill, aimed at ensuring that only American citizens participate in federal elections, received backing from just five Democrats. However, the legislation faces staunch opposition from Senate Democrats, with President Biden expressing his intent to veto the bill if it reaches his desk.
Notably, California stands out as one of the states that do not require voters to show ID. Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed a bill prohibiting local governments from mandating voter ID at polling stations.
Against the backdrop of these developments, the Gallup poll emerges as early in-person and mail-in voting gains momentum across the country. With over 25 million ballots already cast nationwide as of Thursday afternoon, the ongoing debate surrounding election integrity and voting requirements continues to shape the political landscape in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election.
