As discussions around a national photo voter ID law gain traction, a familiar claim has emerged: if people need an ID to buy alcohol, why shouldn’t they need one to vote? The Save America Act, which recently passed the House, has revitalized this viral assertion. U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil, a supporter of the act, expressed frustration over the perceived discrepancy, stating, "I think it’s nuts that we protect our beer in this country more than our ballots."

However, the comparison between purchasing alcohol and voting is far from straightforward. The criteria for verifying age when buying beer varies widely by state law. For instance, in Oklahoma, retailers have the discretion to ask for ID, which contrasts with Utah’s law that mandates ID checks for all customers. In Wisconsin, where Steil is from, IDs are requested mainly from those who appear underage, but the specific requirements can differ.

In contrast, voting regulation is more uniform, with varying states requiring some form of identification. As of now, 36 states demand that voters show ID at polling stations. While 14 states and Washington, D.C. do not necessitate ID, they employ alternative methods to ascertain voters’ identities, such as matching signatures.

The argument that it’s easier to buy beer than vote overlooks a few crucial points:

• Rights vs. Privileges: The right to vote is protected under constitutional amendments, whereas purchasing alcoholic beverages does not carry the same legal weight. Barry Burden, a political scientist, emphasizes that voting is a public act, while buying beer is private.

• Purpose of ID Checks: Regulations regarding alcohol purchases exist to prevent underage drinking—a significant health concern. Conversely, voter fraud is incredibly rare compared to incidents of youth alcohol consumption.

• Integrated Security Measures: Voting laws embed more protections than merely requiring identification. Voter registration is mandatory in most states, ensuring that all participants have verified their eligibility, including proof of citizenship. This contrasts sharply with the casual verification that occurs when buying beer.

In an amusing twist, the inquiry into Steil’s beer purchase revealed that he was buying a Potosi Czech-Style Pilsner when asked for ID.

This fact check highlights how easily assertions become simplified catchphrases in political discourse, while the reality behind voting laws demands a more nuanced understanding.