{"id":351433,"date":"2020-03-17T09:36:43","date_gmt":"2020-03-17T14:36:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/voting\/how-do-i-protect-my-right-to-vote\/voter-suppression-and-voter-id-laws.html"},"modified":"2026-04-09T11:36:07","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T16:36:07","slug":"voter-suppression-and-voter-id-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/voting\/how-do-i-protect-my-right-to-vote\/voter-suppression-and-voter-id-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Legal Challenges to Voter ID Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Legal Challenges To Voter ID Laws<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By FindLaw Staff<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Most challenges to voter ID<\/span> laws argue that they violate the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment or the Voting Rights Act by placing unfair burdens on certain groups of voters. Courts use a balancing test to weigh the burden on voters against the state’s interest in preventing fraud and maintaining election integrity<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Although state laws vary, many states require voters to present some form of photo identification before they cast their ballot. Supporters of voter ID<\/span> laws argue these requirements help prevent voter fraud and ensure election integrity<\/span>. Critics contend that such laws disproportionately affect certain populations and may suppress legitimate votes<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Over the years, several high-profile cases have challenged voter ID<\/span> laws in state and federal courts. In this article, we will discuss some of these legal challenges and explain how voter ID<\/span> lawsuits work. If you believe someone has violated your rights, a local civil rights attorney<\/a> can help you understand how state laws apply to your situation and walk you through your options.<\/p>\n

What Are Voter ID<\/span> Laws?<\/h2>\n

Voter ID<\/span> laws generally refer to state rules that require voters to show or provide certain identification, most commonly when voting in person. Some states also require additional identification when you register to vote, or when requesting or returning an absentee ballot. The types of IDs states accept vary, but state law will describe the type of identification you must present to vote in a state election.<\/p>\n

In the states that require ID<\/a>, the following types of identification typically suffice:<\/p>\n