NewsKPBS Public MediaAugust 17, 2026San Diego
New Hampshire, Indiana, and Florida restrict or ban student IDs for voter identification
Several states have enacted or are implementing laws that prohibit the use of student identification cards as valid proof of identity at polling places. These measures require affected voters to present alternative forms of identification, such as a state-issued driver's license or U.S. passport, to cast a ballot.
Read the full story at KPBS Public MediaWhy It Matters
These laws change the requirements for eligible voters who rely on student IDs to verify their identity, potentially requiring them to obtain new documentation to participate in elections.
Key Facts
- New Hampshire implemented a ban on using student IDs for voting in June 2024.
- Florida passed legislation to ban student IDs for voting, effective in 2027.
- An Indiana law banning student IDs for voting is currently paused and under review by the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
- The Coalition for Open Democracy filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the New Hampshire student ID ban.
- In Georgia, only student IDs from public institutions are accepted for voting, excluding seven historically Black colleges and universities.
- North Carolina requires colleges to obtain approval from the state board of elections for their student IDs to be accepted as voter ID.
- There is no evidence of widespread voter fraud involving the use of student IDs.
- U.S. District Judge Richard Young previously ruled that the Indiana ban appeared to be a 'solution in search of a problem.'
- Advocates note that obtaining alternative state-issued IDs can be difficult due to the time required to secure supporting documents like birth certificates.
Who's Mentioned
locationFlorida“State with a student ID ban effective in 2027”organizationFair Elections Center“Voting rights group”personBlake Doriot“Indiana State Senator and sponsor of the student ID ban”organizationCoalition for Open Democracy“Voter advocacy group suing over the New Hampshire law”locationIndiana“State with a student ID ban currently under legal review”organizationVoteRiders“Advocacy group helping people obtain IDs”personRichard Young“U.S. District Judge”locationNew Hampshire“State with a new student ID ban”personRon DeSantis“Governor of Florida”locationDartmouth College“University in New Hampshire”personLia Symer“Dartmouth College student and voting advocate”