WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Jim Nussle today voted for the Federal Election Integrity Act of 2006 (H.R. 4844) to uphold the integrity of the electoral process by preventing voter fraud in federal elections.  The bipartisan legislation passed the House today on a vote of 228-196.

“We need to uphold the integrity of the electoral process by ensuring that only legal citizens are allowed to vote in our elections,” Nussle said.  “This bill enacts common-sense reforms to prevent voter fraud that undermines our democratic process.  It is vital that we protect the fundamental right of every American citizen to cast their vote in federal elections.  Every legal citizen is encouraged to be an active participant in the political process.”

The Federal Election Integrity Act amends the National Voter Registration Act to require a photo ID for any individual who wishes to vote in federal elections.  Starting in 2008, photo IDs will be provided by States and will be required for anybody wishing to vote in person or by mail. 

Specifically, this legislation requires the following:

• Effective 2008, voters will be required to provide photo ID.
• Effective 2010, voters will be required to provide a photo ID that could not have been obtained without proof of citizenship.
• Effective 2008, voters who arrive at polling stations without the required ID, will be given a provisional ballot and 48 hours to present a qualifying ID.
• Effective 2008, people voting by mail must include a photocopy of photo ID.
• Bill requires States to set up programs to distribute the ID’s and provide them at no cost to the indigent.  Funds are authorized to reimburse States for the cost of providing free ID’s to the indigent.
• Proof of citizenship, and an ID demonstrating such proof, will not be required until 2010, giving citizens and the states 4 years to comply.

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