Column: Voter ID shouldn't be this controversial - Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

by Jonah Goldberg

February 10, 2026

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President Trump’s call for Republicans to “nationalize” or take control of voting in certain areas has sparked intense debate over election integrity. His claims of widespread fraud, based on losing key battlegrounds in 2020, have been repeatedly debunked by courts and experts. While Democrats argue that voter ID requirements are necessary to restore trust in elections, Republicans often downplay Trump’s statements or reinterpret them to align with their agenda. The issue gained attention when Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) was asked about photo ID requirements during a discussion on election integrity. Schiff dismissed the idea as an attempt by Democrats to cave to Republican distrust, linking it to the controversial SAVE Act, which seeks to verify citizenship for voting. However, this framing misses the broader context: Americans overwhelmingly support voter ID laws, with 95% of Republicans and 71% of Democrats backing such measures, according to recent polling. Critics of voter ID laws often argue that marginalized communities lack adequate identification, making it harder for them to vote. While this concern is valid, the absence of proper ID affects far more than voting—it limits access to essential services like banking, housing, and travel. This raises questions about whether opposing voter ID measures is a genuine effort to protect democracy or an attempt to suppress marginalized voices. The debate over election integrity is deeply tied to trust in democracy. Democrats argue that Republican efforts to undermine confidence in elections make voter ID requirements seem suspicious. However, the historical and widespread support for these measures suggests they are not inherently partisan but rather reflect a desire for secure and fair elections. Ultimately, the controversy highlights a disconnect

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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/10/2026