Committee approves measure to require photo ID by removing two affidavit alternatives
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Summary
Senate Bill 154 would remove two non-photo affidavit alternatives (Social Security card and SNAP/EBT card) from acceptable IDs used when a voter signs an affidavit; the committee reported the bill favorably 7–2 after brief questioning about evidence of fraud.
Senate Bill 154, introduced by Senator Lindsey Tichenor, would strengthen Kentucky’s voter identification requirements by removing two non-photo identification options from the list of acceptable alternatives that a voter may present with an affidavit at the polls — a Social Security card and a SNAP/EBT benefits card. Tichenor said the change would align Kentucky with other states that require photo identification in order to reduce the potential for identity fraud and to make it easier for poll workers to verify a voter’s identity.
During questioning, Senator Chambers Armstrong noted that 981 people used a Social Security card and 67 used a government benefits card in the 2024 general election (per Board of Elections numbers quoted in committee) and asked what evidence exists that those uses were fraudulent. Senator Tichenor answered there were no active voter-fraud cases tied to those cards but cited trafficking of benefit cards and general identity-fraud risks; she said the Secretary of State had not yet taken a position. The committee voted to report SB154 favorably by committee vote, 7 yeas and 2 nays.
