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Polls show Americans support voter ID. So why did some measures fail?

Poynter · Amy Sherman · last updated

Not all voter ID laws are created equal. Polls often overlook differences in requirements, exceptions and how those rules affect voters.

As Republican leaders have fought for stricter voter ID requirements in recent years, their refrain has been unwavering: This is a policy most Americans support.

But on Election Day 2026, voter ID measures saw mixed outcomes at the ballot box.

Some conservative social media users touted voter ID measures passing in Ohio, North Carolina and Nevada as small victories amid national Democratic wins. Oklahoma approved a similar change earlier in August.

Voter ID measures failed in Colorado and California. In Arizona, a proposition appeared headed toward defeat as of midday Nov 4, with more than 80% of the ballots counted.

 

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