Vulnerable Dem senator slammed for requiring photo ID at rally, but not to vote

U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., required attendees of his rally to show proof-of-identification, even though the senator is opposed to efforts requiring proof-of-identification for voting.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A new attack ad from Republicans is slamming U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., a vulnerable Democrat senator, for requiring entrants at his political rallies to show proof of identification, while arguing that identification requirements for voting are a form of voter suppression.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing debate around voter ID laws, with Republicans arguing they are necessary for election integrity and Democrats claiming they disproportionately disenfranchise certain voters. Ossoff's apparent double standard on ID requirements has made him a target for GOP criticism as he faces a tough re-election battle.

The details

The ad shows footage of Ossoff's rally staff asking attendees to show their IDs before entering the event. Meanwhile, Ossoff has referred to attempts to establish stricter photo-ID rules for voting and voter registration as "nakedly partisan, totally unworkable, [and] bad faith." Republicans, including one of Ossoff's GOP challengers, have accused the senator of opposing voter ID laws to protect his party's voting base, which they claim includes illegal immigrants.

  • The rally where ID was required took place on February 7, 2026.
  • The latest version of a voter integrity law requiring stricter in-person documentation was passed by Republicans in the House of Representatives on Wednesday.

The players

Jon Ossoff

A U.S. Senator from Georgia who is a Democrat and is facing a tough re-election battle.

Buddy Carter

A Republican U.S. Representative from Georgia who is one of Ossoff's challengers in the upcoming Senate race.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate around voter ID laws, with Republicans arguing they are necessary for election integrity and Democrats claiming they disproportionately disenfranchise certain voters. Ossoff's apparent double standard on ID requirements has made him a target for GOP criticism as he faces a tough re-election battle.