H761 strengthens the list of required documents to register to vote, to prove applicants’ identity, address, and citizenship. It also removes the option of signing an affidavit to prove one’s identity when voting in lieu of providing definitive identification. Additionally, requires new driver’s licenses and ID cards to have “USA” printed on them if the applicant is a U.S. citizen to differentiate between citizens and noncitizens more easily. Lastly, it removes student IDs as a valid form of identification to vote, ending a loophole that allowed out-of-state student to vote in Idaho.
The Idaho State House or Representatives passed H761 on March 14, 2022 by a vote of 47 to 21. We have assigned the pluses to the ayes because strengthening our voter ID and election registration laws are crucial in the preservation of our election process and election integrity. Article IV, Section 2, of the U.S. Constitution provides that “citizens” of the United States “shall be entitled to all privileges and immunities,” such as the “right of citizens of the United States” to vote as prescribed in the 26th Amendment. It would be an infringement on our rights to allow any ineligible elector to vote.