Voter identification (ID) is a form of identification that is required in order to vote in an election. The specific requirements for voter ID vary from state to state, but generally, an acceptable form of identification will include a photo of the voter and their name. Voter ID laws have been the subject of much debate in recent years, with some arguing that they are necessary to prevent voter fraud and others arguing that they disenfranchise minority voters.
In the United States, the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA) was passed in response to the disputed 2000 presidential election. HAVA established minimum standards for voter identification, and it also created a provisional ballot system for voters who are unable to provide an acceptable form of identification. However, HAVA does not require states to implement a voter ID law. As of 2023, 35 states have some form of voter ID law in place.