Voter ID isn’t suppression, it builds confidence

This week, Congress continues to debate the SAVE America Act, designed to strengthen voter ID and proof-of-citizenship requirements nationwide. Back in February, the US House passed it 218–213 largely along party lines, with every North Carolina Republican supporting the bill and all North Carolina Democrats opposing it.

President Trump has made the legislation a centerpiece of his push for election integrity, and Republicans argue it builds confidence in the ballot box. Democrats, however, continue to raise concerns about access and voter suppression, and the Senate faces procedural hurdles before the bill can advance toward final passage.

Sens. Thom Tillis and Ted Budd have expressed backing it as the Senate faces procedural hurdles before it could reach a final vote, leaving its fate uncertain as the 2026 midterms approach.

While this unfolds on the national stage, North Carolina provides a real-world model for what the SAVE Act hopes to accomplish. Here, voters are asked to show an acceptable form of photo ID, but anyone without one can still cast a ballot by completing a provisional ballot or ID exception form. In recent elections, very few ballots were affected by ID issues, and no voter has been turned away solely for lacking a photo ID. The State Board of Elections also runs outreach campaigns such as “Bring it! Your ID. Your Vote” to make sure all eligible voters are informed and prepared.

Data shows that election security is not a partisan issue. North Carolina voters approved the state’s constitutional voter ID amendment in 2018 by roughly 56 % to 44 %, and public polling shows that today about 70 % of North Carolinians continue to support requiring photo identification at the polls. National support for voter ID requirements is significantly higher than a simple majority, with eight‑in‑10 Americans expressing approval across multiple recent polls.

Voter ID fits within a larger framework of safeguards. North Carolina uses paper ballots, routine audits, and rigorous roll maintenance to ensure the accuracy of elections. The State Board also verifies identification data to prevent errors and maintain confidence in the system.

Critics argue that voter ID laws might suppress votes, but the evidence from North Carolina tells a different story. Turnout has remained strong, and participation is not concentrated among only certain groups. Instead, voter ID reassures citizens that their votes are secure and the results are trustworthy.

North Carolina’s experience shows that it is possible to protect election integrity while preserving access for all eligible voters. Legislation like the SAVE America Act could extend these proven practices to the federal level, helping restore trust in elections nationwide. With clear rules, strong safeguards, and proper voter education, election security and voter confidence can go hand in hand.

Donna King serves as editor in chief for the Carolina Journal and Executive Vice President of the John Locke Foundation