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Committee Favorably Reports FederalElection Integrity Act of 2006 (H.R. 4844)
Chairman's substitute amendment requires voters to present photo ID

WASHINGTON – Today Chairman Vernon J. Ehlers, R-Mich., and other members of the House Administration Committee, favorably reported H.R. 4844 which, if passed by Congress, will require that every individual who wishes to vote in the 2008 federal elections must present a photo ID to be allowed to cast a ballot.

Responding to criticism that voter ID provisions could place additional burdens on the voter to obtain a photo ID, Ehlers remarked, "Every day millions of Americans show a picture ID to pay by check, board a plane, or buy alcohol or tobacco. Surely the sanctity of the ballot warrants as much protection as these other activities."

Under H.R. 4844, voters will be required to provide a photo ID in the 2008 elections. The bill also requires that by 2010, voters wishing to vote in a federal election must present a photo ID that certifies that they are citizens. States are also required to set up programs to distribute the IDs and must provide them at no cost to indigent voters. The cost for the program will be reimbursed by the federal government.

The bill was passed by the Committee on a 4-3 party-line vote, and will receive consideration by the entire House next week.

The markup is available via webcast on the committee website: https://republicans-cha.house.gov. For more information, contact the Committee press office, (202) 225-8281.