Vast majority of Americans support photo ID for voting, CNN analyst says

A vast majority of Americans — including Democrats and ethnic minorities — favor requiring photo identification (ID) to vote, according to an analysis from CNN Senior Data Reporter Harry Enten.

The data undercuts claims by some Democratic lawmakers that voter ID laws are broadly unpopular and intended to disenfranchise non-white voters.

Speaking during a Feb. 3 segment on CNN, Enten cited recent Pew Research Center surveys showing 83% overall support for photo voter ID requirements. Support has remained consistently above 75% since 2018, the data suggest. 

The data also indicate strong bipartisan agreement: About 95% of Republicans and 71% of Democrats back photo ID requirements.

Enten emphasized that support cuts across racial and ethnic lines, with 76% approval among Black Americans, 82% among Latinos, and 85% among white voters.

“So the bottom line is this: Voter ID is not controversial in this country,” Enten said. “A photo ID to vote is not controversial in this country. It is not controversial by party, and it is not controversial by race.”

Enten added that “the vast majority of Americans agree with Nicki Minaj that, in fact, you should have a photo ID,” referencing a recent social media post in which Minaj questioned why voter ID has become a political flashpoint. 

“What sensible forward thinking cutting edge leading nation is having a DEBATE on whether or not there should be VOTER ID?!?!!!! Like?!?!? They’re actually fighting NOT to have ppl present ID while voting for your leaders!!!!!” Minaj wrote on X Feb. 1. 

Debate over the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act has renewed public attention in the question of voter ID. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., sought to attach the measure to a funding package that would reopen the government during a partial shutdown. House leaders ultimately shelved the SAVE Act for consideration at a later date after warnings that its inclusion could jeopardize the passage of the broader funding package in the Senate.

The SAVE Act would require documentary proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections. Republicans have championed the measure as a necessary safeguard against voter fraud and a way to bolster public confidence in election integrity, while Democrats argue it would suppress turnout by inconveniencing Americans without easy access to citizenship documents. 

In Feb. 2 remarks on the Senate floor, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., labeled the proposal as “nothing more than Jim Crow 2.0.” He added in an X post later that day that it “would disenfranchise millions of Americans. Every single Senate Democrat will vote against any bill that contains it.”

Pushing back on Schumer’s characterization, Luna said, “If you are a minority that wants a voter ID apparently you are for racist policies according to Schumer.”