JD Vance says calling voter ID ‘racist’ is itself racist, cites broad public support for measure

WASHINGTON, DC: Vice President JD Vance argued that claims voter ID laws are racist are themselves rooted in flawed assumptions, saying the criticism underestimates minority voters and ignores broad public backing for identification requirements at the polls.

Speaking with Lara Trump in an interview, Vance pushed back on Democratic opposition to voter ID measures, framing the issue as one of election integrity and equal treatment under the law.

JD Vance rejects ‘racist’ label for voter ID, points to polling

“What the Democrats will say, and I always find this so funny, they’ll say it’s racist to ask for voter ID,” Vance said. “I actually think that’s kind of racist, assuming that people of color can’t get a driver’s license."

The vice president argued that such claims imply minority voters are less capable of obtaining identification, which he described as both inaccurate and patronizing.

“If you look at the polling, Black, Brown, Asian, everybody agrees it is a 90/10 issue that we should have voter ID to vote in our elections,” he said, asserting that support cuts across racial and ethnic lines. 

JD Vance slams Democrats' claims about voter fraud

Vance also addressed a common Democratic argument that voter fraud is rare and that strict ID laws are therefore unnecessary.

“The Democrats will say voter ID is not necessary, because nobody who’s not allowed to vote ever votes in our elections,” Vance remarked. “And my response to that is, well, if nobody who shouldn’t vote does vote, then why do you care if we check their ID just to be extra careful?”

The vice president’s remarks come as several states consider updates to their election laws ahead of upcoming federal and state contests.

Those in support of the measure say voter ID requirements strengthen confidence in election outcomes, while opponents warn they could discourage participation among certain groups.

Republicans have long maintained that voter ID measures are a commonsense safeguard to ensure that only eligible citizens cast ballots, arguing that showing identification should not be controversial in elections, as it is a standard requirement in many aspects of daily life.

Moreover, Democrats have countered the need for additional ID requirements, saying it could disproportionately affect low-income voters, seniors, and those without easy access to government-issued identification.