Senate Democrat Requires Voter ID for Campaign Events, But Opposes It for Federal Elections

Sen. Jon Ossoff's campaign event asks attendees to show government-issued photo ID, despite his opposition to similar standards for federal voting.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Sen. Jon Ossoff, a Democratic senator from Georgia, is requiring attendees at one of his campaign events to show government-issued photo ID, even as he opposes similar voter ID requirements for federal elections. Ossoff's campaign event in Atlanta asks attendees to have their ID verified against the RSVP list, a policy that contrasts with his previous criticism of Republican-backed bills like the SAVE Act that would impose stricter voter ID standards nationwide.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing debate over voter ID laws, with Democrats arguing they disenfranchise certain voters while Republicans contend they are necessary to secure elections. Ossoff's stance on requiring ID for his own events but not federal voting raises questions about political hypocrisy and the selective application of election security measures.

The details

In an email confirmation for Ossoff's Saturday campaign event in Atlanta, attendees were informed that 'a matching government-issued ID will be verified against the RSVP list by name to enter.' This contrasts with Ossoff's previous criticism of the SAVE Act, a Republican-backed bill that would embed proof of citizenship requirements and stricter voter ID standards into federal elections. Ossoff has called the SAVE Act 'nakedly partisan' and 'intended to disenfranchise millions of eligible voters.'

  • Ossoff's campaign event is scheduled for Saturday, February 8, 2026.
  • The House Rules Committee is expected to consider an updated version of the SAVE Act on Monday, February 10, 2026.

The players

Sen. Jon Ossoff

A Democratic senator from Georgia who is requiring attendees at one of his campaign events to show government-issued photo ID, despite his opposition to similar voter ID requirements for federal elections.

Rep. Mike Collins

A Republican congressman from Georgia who is running against Ossoff for a Senate seat in 2026. Collins criticized Ossoff's 'double-standard' on voter ID requirements.

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna

A Republican congresswoman from Florida who has led efforts to pass the SAVE Act, a bill that would impose stricter voter ID and citizenship requirements for federal elections.

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What they’re saying

“Typical Jon Ossoff to say one thing and do another. It's ridiculous that Jon Ossoff would require a government ID to listen to him speak about why you shouldn't need a government ID to vote.”

— Rep. Mike Collins, Republican Congressman from Georgia (Fox News Digital)

“This is a nakedly partisan, totally unworkable, bad-faith bill cynically intended to disenfranchise millions of eligible voters.”

— Sen. Jon Ossoff (Statement on the SAVE Act)

What’s next

The House Rules Committee is expected to consider an updated version of the SAVE Act, which would impose stricter voter ID and citizenship requirements for federal elections, on Monday, February 10, 2026.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing partisan divide over voter ID laws, with Democrats arguing they disenfranchise certain voters and Republicans contending they are necessary to secure elections. Ossoff's stance on requiring ID for his own campaign events but opposing it for federal voting raises questions about political hypocrisy and the selective application of election security measures.