U.S. states implement bans on using student IDs for voting

Several U.S. states are implementing laws that prohibit the use of student IDs as valid identification for in-person voting. New Hampshire is the most recent state to enact such a ban, which aims to increase election security and transparency according to state Republican lawmakers.

Similar restrictions are active or pending in other states. A federal appeals court recently reinstated a student ID ban in Indiana, and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation that will prohibit the acceptance of student IDs at polling places starting in 2027.

The Coalition for Open Democracy has filed a lawsuit against the New Hampshire law, alleging it is unconstitutional and discriminates against younger voters by creating unnecessary hurdles to the ballot box. Advocates note that students are among the demographics least likely to vote, and these changes may impact their ability to participate in upcoming elections.