FILE - In this undated photo, provided by NY Governor's Press Office on Saturday March 27, 2021, is the new "Excelsior Pass" app, a digital pass that people can download to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. Vaccine passports being developed to verify COVID-19 immunization status and allow inoculated people to more freely travel, shop and dine have become the latest flash point in America’s perpetual political wars, with Republicans portraying them as a heavy-handed intrusion into personal freedom and private health choices. (NY Governor's Press Office via AP, File)
8/13/2021- 10:15 p.m.
Republican lawmakers on Thursday introduced the Vaccine Passport and Voter ID Harmonization Act, legislation that would require states mandating vaccine passports to also mandate voter ID requirements.
The bill introduced by Kevin Cramer of North Dakota in the Senate and Nancy Mace of South Carolina in the House, “requiring states and local jurisdictions that institute vaccine passports to require voter identification in federal elections.”
“If they’re comfortable making people show their private medical records to simply go to a restaurant, they should be fine having people prove they are who they say they are before they vote,” he continued. “Our legislation shines a light on their hypocrisy.”
The legislation comes as more and more U.S. officials and institutions begin requiring vaccines and vaccine passports.
Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom and the California Department of Health announced Wednesday that the state’s educators must present a vaccine record card in order to teach in the classroom.
On the same day, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended “pregnant people” should also begin getting vaccinated.
“It makes no sense for Democrats to adamantly oppose commonsense Voter ID policies which protect the integrity of our elections,” Cramer said in a statement.
At least 20 states have banned vaccine passport requirements, at least to some extent, through either legislation or executive actions.
“In Florida, your personal choice regarding vaccinations will be protected and no business or government entity will be able to deny you services based on your decision,” DeSantis said.
Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill in May that specifically bans such requirements and allows the governor to “invalidate a local emergency order if it unnecessarily restricts individual rights or liberties.”
