Washington, DC – Rep. Dave Reichert (WA-08) today said the Federal Election Integrity Act of 2006 (H.R. 4844), which the House passed today, will help prevent voter fraud and ensure that only eligible voters cast ballots.

“The right to vote is one of our most cherished rights, and an important guarantor of our freedoms,” Rep. Reichert said.  “As such, it’s important for federal, state, and local government to ensure that the voting process is free of fraud and misconduct. The Federal Election Integrity Act will help preserve the integrity of the voting process by ensuring that only those who are eligible to vote are allowed to do so.” 

H.R. 4844, the Federal Election Integrity Act of 2006, will require voters to present photo identification at polling places, beginning in 2008. Beginning in 2010, voters will be required to provide photo identification at polling places that proves they are citizens of the United States.  The act requires states to provide the necessary photo identification free of charge to individuals who cannot afford to pay for it and authorizes funds to reimburse states for the cost of these programs.

Highlights of the Federal Election Integrity Act of 2006:

• 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.