Representative Ferguson urges photo-ID requirement for all voters; committee questions access for seniors

Representative Ferguson spoke to the House General Government Committee in favor of House Bill 577, saying the measure would require photo identification for every voter in the state and apply the same standard to mail-in ballots.

"Photo ID is strongly supported by Americans and both political parties," Representative Ferguson said, urging the committee to consider HB 577 as a step to increase election integrity.

Ferguson explained how the bill would work for absentee or mail-in ballots: applicants would enclose a copy of their photo identification with the mail ballot application. "Any of the photo IDs that currently work at your board of elections or the polling place, a copy of that would work as well inside your mail-in form," Ferguson said. He added the bill lists locations—libraries, public high schools, the motor vehicle registrar and county treasurers—where residents can obtain a no-cost copy or assistance.

That explanation prompted questions from committee members about practical barriers. One lawmaker asked how seniors or voters without a copier or printer could comply. Ferguson said current law already provides for board outreach to homebound voters and that the bill would expand those procedures to include providing the necessary equipment so election officials can obtain or copy IDs for such voters.

A committee member pressed whether libraries and other listed sites had been contacted; Ferguson replied that the locations named in the bill reflect places that currently provide registration services and that the committee could add or subtract sites during revision.

The committee received the testimony, asked clarifying questions and concluded the first hearing without a committee vote.