Press Releases

Yesterday, U.S. Representatives Rick Larsen (WA-02) and Mark Veasey (TX-33) reintroduced the America Votes Act to protect U.S. citizens who face disenfranchisement because of restrictive voter identification (ID) laws. 

“As Trump and Republicans in Congress continue their unlawful attempts to suppress the right to vote, it is more urgent than ever to break down barriers to the ballot box,” said Rep. Larsen, a co-founder of the Congressional Voting Rights Caucus. “This bill builds on Washington state’s successful efforts to safeguard election integrity while getting rid of laws that disenfranchise citizens and prevent people from fully participating in democracy.”

“Voter ID laws are being sold as a solution to a problem that doesn't exist, and the people paying the price are eligible voters, especially in communities of color,” said Rep. Veasey, a founder and co-chair of the Congressional Voting Rights Caucus. “The America Votes Act protects every registered voter's right to cast a regular ballot by affirming their identity under oath. It's common sense, and it's time for Congress to act to protect the vote for all Americans.”

Despite claims that restrictive voter ID laws are necessary to prevent voter impersonation, there is no evidence of widespread voter fraud in the United States. Some state legislatures across the country continue to use excessively restrictive voter ID laws to target and deny certain Americans the right to vote. Restrictive voter ID laws disproportionately impact Black and transgender Americans, perpetuating the systematic disenfranchisement of certain groups in the United States.

In 2026, a total of 36 states require voters to show identification to cast a ballot, and 24 of those states require voters to present identification with a photograph. These identification requirements are in addition to those under federal law to register to vote.

The America Votes Act would establish new federal protections for registered voters to affirm their identity by submitting a sworn, written statement, even if they do not have a government-issued ID. Voters who sign a sworn, written statement can vote using a standard, non-provisional ­­ballot. The legislation is modeled on a successful Washington state law that allows voters to affirm their identity by submitting a similar written statement along with their mail-in ballot.

The full text of the America Votes Act is available here.

The America Votes Act is cosponsored by Representatives Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Betty McCollum (MN-04), André Carson (IL-07), and Julia Brownley (CA-26).

Larsen Fights to Protect Voting Rights

Rep. Larsen is a strong advocate for free and fair elections, expanding access to the ballot and Washington state’s vote-by-mail system.  He has visited or plans to visit election offices in every county of Washington’s Second Congressional District to discuss the importance of safeguarding the right to vote with local officials ahead of this November’s elections. 

Larsen first introduced the America Votes Act in 2012. The bill was included in the For The People Act, sweeping legislation to expand access to the ballot box, get dark money out of politics, end partisan gerrymandering and hold elected officials accountable to their voters. The For The People Act passed the House in 2021 but did not receive a vote in the Senate after Republicans blocked its passage.

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