Trump threatens to impose photo ID for voters for midterm elections

The Guardian World

by Robert Mackey

February 13, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Donald Trump has vowed to push for a new requirement mandating US voters to present photo identification before casting their ballots in the upcoming midterm elections. Despite the Save America Act, which includes similar provisions, facing uncertain passage through Congress, Trump emphasized his determination to implement these changes unilaterally if necessary. The bill, which cleared the House but faces significant hurdles in the Senate, would introduce a national photo ID requirement for voting, necessitate proof of citizenship for registration, and severely restrict mail-in voting options. The Save America Act, championed by Trump, seeks to overhaul election procedures, with critics arguing it could suppress voter turnout, particularly among marginalized communities. While the bill has garnered support from Republican lawmakers who view it as a means to ensure election integrity, Democrats and voting rights advocates warn that such measures could disproportionately affect low-income individuals, people of color, and the elderly—groups often reliant on mail-in voting or lacking easy access to photo IDs. This push for stricter voter identification and registration requirements comes amid ongoing debates over election security and access. Trump and his supporters argue that these measures are essential to prevent fraud, though evidence of widespread voter impersonation is scarce. Critics, however, contend that such policies could disenfranchise millions of eligible voters, particularly in communities with higher poverty rates or limited access to government-issued IDs. The issue has sparked heated partisan divides, with Democrats accusing Republicans of attempting to restrict voting rights under the guise of election security. Meanwhile, Trump has repeatedly called for these changes, even as some Republican senators express reservations about the bill's chances in the Senate and its potential to energize Democratic voters ahead of the midterm elections. Globally, the US is a key example of how electoral policies can shape democratic processes and voter access. The debate over photo ID requirements and mail-in voting restrictions highlights broader concerns about election integrity versus voter suppression, making it a critical issue not just for American politics but for understanding the challenges faced by democracies worldwide in maintaining fair and accessible elections.

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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/13/2026