Is it harder to buy beer than vote? The reality behind a viral talking point. - Poynter

"As Republicans pushed for a national photo voter ID law, they made a familiar argument: If people need an ID for everyday purchases, why not for voting? The Save America Act, which passed the House Feb. 11 with unanimous GOP support, would mandate that all states require a photo ID to vote in person or by mail. U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil, R-Wis., said during debate that when he recently went to buy a six-pack, the clerk asked to see his ID even though she recognized him. "I think it's nuts that we protect our beer in this country more than our ballots in jurisdictions," Steil said Feb. 11."

"When, how and why alcohol retailers ask customers for IDs is typically dictated by state law. Retailers can impose stricter requirements for ID checks if they wish. A 2024 Oklahoma law gives businesses discretion as to whether they ask for ID. The law is named for a 90-year-old man denied a beer because he lacked ID. Utah's law requires an ID check for every customer purchasing alcohol."

"In Steil's home state of Wisconsin, employees "should demand proof of age of anyone entering the premises who appears to be under the legal drinking age," a state guide says. Under the law, employees "may require a person" to present ID and proof of age. The guide lists several acceptable forms of ID: a driver's license, state ID, passport, military or tribal identification or "any other form of identification or proof of age acceptable to the licensee." That "any other form" language is more expansive than Wisconsin's voter ID law."

The Save America Act would require all states to mandate a photo ID for in-person and mail voting. Proponents compare routine ID checks for alcohol purchases to voter ID requirements. Alcohol ID-check rules are set by state law and can permit retailer discretion. Oklahoma law gives businesses discretion whether to ask for ID, while Utah requires ID checks for every alcohol purchaser. Wisconsin guidance allows employees to demand proof of age for those who appear underage and accepts a broad range of ID forms, including "any other form" acceptable to the licensee, which is broader than the state voter ID law. Social media and some politicians sometimes misstate whether voter ID is required.

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