by David Hawkins
A new poll from the Pew Research Center shows broad public support among the American people for requiring government-issued photo identification to vote.
The poll comes as the Senate debates the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act.
On Tuesday, the Senate voted 51-48 to open debate on its contentious voter ID bill.
Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) was the only Republican joining Democrats in opposition.
The debate is expected to last for days, and the close vote illustrates the tensions surrounding the legislation.
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), another Republican opponent of the legislation, was absent.
The legislation, which has already passed the House, would establish nationwide standards for federal elections, including requirements for proof of U.S. citizenship and voter ID at the polls.
President Donald Trump has called for the bill’s passage.
Under the proposal, voters would need to provide documentary proof of citizenship, such as a passport, birth certificate, or qualifying REAL ID, when registering or updating their registration.
The bill would also require states to share voter roll data with federal authorities, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to help identify potential noncitizens.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) described the voter ID and citizenship provisions as common-sense safeguards.
Thune noted that similar identification is required for routine activities.