Tim Walberg, representative for Michigan’s 5th Congressional District, said that federal elections should require voter ID and proof of citizenship, arguing these standards reflect common practices in daily life and have broad public support.
The discussion comes as Congress considers the SAVE America Act, which Walberg said would help prevent foreign interference, strengthen election integrity, and restore public trust in federal elections.Â
“Americans need a valid ID to drive a car, pick up a prescription, and open a bank account, yet many do not need to display a valid ID to participate in federal elections. Requiring voter ID and proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections isn’t just common sense, it is supported by the overwhelming majority of Americans. The SAVE America Act will keep foreign interference out of our elections, strengthen our election integrity, and restore public trust in our federal elections,” Walberg said.
Voter identification is already a standard feature of election administration across much of the country. As of 2026, 36 states request or require some form of identification for in-person voting, showing that ID-based verification is not a new concept in U.S. elections but an established practice used in most states through photo ID rules, non-photo documents, or follow-up verification procedures according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
Pew Research Center found that 83% of U.S. adults favored requiring all voters to show government-issued photo identification to vote in August 2025, including 60% who strongly favored the requirement. Support extended across party lines, reaching 95% among Republicans and 71% among Democrats, with only 16% opposed overall.
Michigan’s two senators both voted against cloture on the SAVE America Act voter ID amendment on March 26, 2026. The official U.S. Senate roll call shows Gary Peters and Elissa Slotkin each voting Nay on the motion to invoke cloture on Husted amendment #4732, which sought to require voters to provide photo identification and was tied to S. 1383.Â
Their votes meant both of Michigan’s senators opposed advancing the amendment at the cloture stage, helping block the measure from clearing a key procedural hurdle in the chamber.
Restoration of America launched a $5 million nationwide ad campaign on April 13, 2026 to press the Senate to move forward with voter ID legislation tied to the SAVE America Act. The push included a $3.1 million national television buy, digital outreach, and a direct appeal urging voters to contact their senators according to Fox News.Â
Walberg represents Michigan’s 5th Congressional District in the U.S. House and was selected in December 2024 as chairman of the House Committee on Education and Workforce for the 119th Congress.
