Sen. John Fetterman (D-Penn.) criticized attacks from fellow Democrats on Republican-led voter ID legislation, calling claims that the laws are discriminatory “not Jim Crow” and emphasizing that showing identification to vote is reasonable.

Fetterman addressed the SAVE Act, a federal bill that would require voters to present government-issued ID to register for federal elections.

“As a Democrat, I do not believe it’s unreasonable to show ID just to vote,” Fetterman said, citing Wisconsin’s recent constitutional amendment, passed with 63% of voters, which requires identification at the polls. He noted that the state simultaneously elected a liberal justice to the state Supreme Court, underscoring that voter ID requirements are not radical.

Fetterman’s stance contrasts sharply with other Democratic leaders, including Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). Schiff has claimed voter ID laws suppress the vote, while Schumer labeled the SAVE Act “Jim Crow 2.0” on the Senate floor, arguing the legislation federalizes voter suppression.

Fetterman rejected those characterizations, emphasizing that photo identification is widely accepted across party lines. He referenced polling data showing strong public support: CNN analyst Harry Enten reported that over 75% of Americans favor voter ID requirements, including record-high support of 83% in 2025. Entertainer Nicki Minaj has also voiced support for such laws.

“The vast majority of Americans agree that showing an ID to vote is not radical or extreme,” Fetterman said, reinforcing his position and breaking from the Democratic narrative that voter ID laws are discriminatory.

His comments signal a rare bipartisan acknowledgment of voter ID’s widespread acceptance, highlighting tension within the Democratic Party over the issue and framing the legislation as consistent with both public opinion and electoral integrity.