Paul Ryan on Election Reform

Summary

Congressman Ryan voted against the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002, also known as McCain-Feingold. In 2006, he supported legislation known as the Federal Election integrity Act. Under this legislation a photo ID would be required beginning with the November 2008 general election, and an additional criterion would apply as of November 2010, specifying that voters must provide a photo ID that could not have been obtained without proof of U.S. citizenship. He stated that this is a simple step that we can take to guard against fraud at the polls and help restore citizens' confidence in the electoral process. 

Federal Election Integrity Act

In September of 2006, Congressman Ryan issued a press statement supporting the Federal Election Integrity Act. This legislation would require federal ID to vote in a federal election.

House Passes Bill Requiring Photo ID to Vote

September 20, 2006
WASHINGTON – Legislation that would require individuals to present a government-issued, current and valid photo ID in order to be eligible to vote in federal elections passed the House today by 228-196. Wisconsin’s First District Congressman Paul Ryan voted in favor of this bill, the Federal Election Integrity Act (H.R. 4844), which will help prevent voter fraud and uphold the integrity of elections.

Under this legislation, the photo ID requirement would take effect beginning with the November 2008 general election, and an additional criterion would apply as of November 2010, specifying that voters must provide a photo ID that could not have been obtained without proof of U.S. citizenship.

“In order to make sure that legal votes are not cancelled out by illegal votes, it makes sense to ask for proof of identity and citizenship from voters,” Ryan said. “This is a simple step that we can take to guard against fraud at the polls and help restore citizens' confidence in the electoral process. Today, we are asked to show ID before we can board a plane, cash a check or, in some cases, make a credit card purchase. We should verify identity when it comes to voting too. ”

To ensure that all citizens have access to the necessary ID, the bill requires states to set up a program to provide photo IDs which may be used to meet the bill’s requirements to individuals who do not possess a government-issued photo ID but who want to vote in elections for federal office. In addition, states must provide this photo ID free of charge for those who cannot afford to pay the fee, and the bill authorizes funds to reimburse states for this cost.  

Voting Record

Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002

In 2002 Congress passed the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002 which is better known by the names of its main sponsors John McCain and Russ Feingold. The legislation made changes to the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to limit the use of "soft money." It passed the House 240-189 in February of 2002. Paul Ryan voted against the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002 (McCain-Feingold).

Sponsored and Cosponsored Legislation

This representative has not been identified as sponsoring or cosponsoring significant legislation related to this title.

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