Voter identification laws have emerged as a cornerstone of election integrity debates, creating intense discussions about balancing accessibility with security. These laws, which require voters to present photo ID at the polls, aim to ensure that only eligible citizens cast ballots, safeguarding the democratic process.
Proponents argue that such measures prevent fraud, bolster public confidence in elections, and align with commonsense practices already standard in many everyday transactions, like boarding a plane or opening a bank account. Critics, however, raise concerns about potential barriers for marginalized groups, though studies often show minimal impact on turnout when ID requirements are implemented thoughtfully.
Public support for voter ID laws is strikingly robust. Polls consistently reveal that a vast majority of Americans—often exceeding 80%—favor requiring identification to vote. This bipartisan backing reflects a shared desire for trust in the electoral system, transcending party lines.
For instance, a 2024 Gallup survey found that over 80% of Americans support measures to verify voter identity. This widespread consensus highlights the appeal of straightforward policies that prioritize fairness and transparency, making the debate less about the concept itself and more about how to implement it equitably.
Rep. Jared Golden’s Evolving Stance On Voter ID Laws
Against this backdrop, Democratic Representative Jared Golden of Maine has navigated a complex path on voter ID laws, reflecting both personal evolution and political pragmatism. Golden, now a vocal advocate for the Republican-led Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, has not always aligned with such measures. The SAVE Act, designed to enhance election security, includes a provision requiring voter ID for federal election registration—a policy Golden now champions. Yet, a decade ago, his voting record as a Maine state legislator told a different story.
There are a lot of misleading claims out there about the SAVE Act. Let me set the record straight: I voted for the SAVE Act for the simple reason that American elections are for Americans. Requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote is common sense.
Some claim that…
— Congressman Jared Golden (@RepGolden) April 10, 2025
In 2015, Golden voted against LD 197, “An Act To Strengthen Maine’s Election Laws by Requiring Photographic Identification for the Purpose of Voting.” Two years later, in 2017, he again opposed similar legislation, joining fellow Democrats to block LD 121, which “requires that a voter provide proof of identity with photographic identification for the purpose of voting. The bill specifies the types of photographic identification that may be used to verify the identity of a voter.” These votes positioned Golden firmly against state-level voter ID mandates at the time.
Fast forward to 2024, and Golden’s perspective appears to have shifted. Elected to Congress in 2018, the Maine Democrat voted in favor of the SAVE Act and reaffirmed his support earlier this year. In a Substack post, Golden defended his stance, criticizing fellow Democrats for what he sees as politically motivated opposition. “Ensuring American elections are only for citizens is a proposition supported by 83% of Americans. It enjoys bipartisan support,” Golden wrote.
“But just like pro-worker, anti-free trade policies that were once welcomed for consideration by Democrats, this basic election integrity proposal has been sucked into the broader dynamic of resistance to anything that has support from Republicans, and specifically support from President Trump. Some are using misleading fear tactics about voter suppression because they think it will give them an upper hand in politics and elections.”
Golden’s shift may also reflect the political realities of his competitive district. Maine’s 2nd Congressional District, which backed President Donald Trump in both 2020 and 2024, is a battleground where Golden narrowly secured reelection last year, edging out Republican candidate Austin Therialt by less than a point. Recent polling suggests Golden’s approval ratings are struggling, adding pressure to appeal to a electorate that leans conservative. His embrace of Republican-backed policies like the SAVE Act could be a strategic move to align with constituent priorities.
The National Republican Congressional Committee has seized on Golden’s record, painting him as inconsistent. “Political opportunist Jared Golden has a record of voting against commonsense voter ID requirements. But now that his approval rating is in the dumps and he can’t raise any money from Mainers, he’s desperately bashing his own party and flip-flopping on any issue he can to get attention and score political points. Unfortunately for Jared Golden, the deception won’t work on Mainers. Golden’s days in Congress are numbered,” said Maureen O’Toole, a spokeswoman for the committee.
Golden’s journey on voter ID laws mirrors the nuanced dynamics of American politics, where personal convictions, public sentiment, and electoral pressures intersect. But as many polls show, the majority of his constituents, and Americans in general, are hoping the congressman stays consistent with his support of voter ID laws. U.S. citizens want their elections to be secure, and bipartisan support for laws that help to bolster election integrity is extremely crucial.
Do you trust Rep. Jared Golden to stay on target with his support for voter ID laws? Do you think election security is an issue Congress must prioritize? Let us know your thoughts down in the comments!
