Texas Governor Greg Abbott said Americans of all races support voter identification requirements and questioned why Democrats oppose such policies, citing national polling data showing broad public backing for voter ID.
Abbott made the comments in a social media post on Feb. 3, according to his verified account, after renewed attention to the issue following remarks by rapper Nicki Minaj and a discussion on CNN News Central
What sensible forward thinking cutting edge leading nation is having a DEBATE on whether or not there should be VOTER ID?!?!!!! Like?!?!? They’re actually fighting NOT to have ppl present ID while voting for your leaders!!!!! Do you get it?!?!!!! Do you get it now?!?!!!
— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) February 2, 2026
Support for requiring voters to show government-issued photo identification has remained high across political and racial groups, according to polling data cited by CNN. CNN chief data analyst Harry Enten said surveys show more than 80% of Americans favor voter ID requirements, according to the network.
🚨 HOLY CRAP! CNN was just forced to report 83% PERCENT of Americans are with Nicki Minaj and want nationwide voter ID
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) February 3, 2026
This *includes* 71% of Democrats. 🔥
In fact — support for voter ID is at its highest level in YEARS! THERE IS NO EXCUSE. Pass the SAVE Act.
"Photo ID to… pic.twitter.com/NL7ZTdLpiR
A Pew Research Center survey conducted in August 2025 found that 83% of U.S. adults favored requiring all voters to show government-issued photo identification, according to Pew. The survey showed support among 95% of Republicans and 71% of Democrats.
The Pew survey also found majorities across racial groups backing the requirement, including 85% of white adults, 82% of Hispanic adults and 76% of Black adults, according to the research center.
Minaj wrote on social media that it was unclear why the country was debating whether voters should be required to present identification when voting. Her post prompted discussion on CNN, where Enten referenced the polling results.
Enten said voter identification at polling places differs from proposals requiring documents such as passports or birth certificates to register to vote, a distinction he said has contributed to confusion in public debate, according to CNN.
The Pew survey also showed bipartisan support for other election-related measures, including requiring voting machines to produce paper backups, expanding early in-person voting and making Election Day a federal holiday, according to the research center. Support for allowing any voter to cast a ballot by mail remained divided along party lines, with Democrats more likely than Republicans to favor the policy, Pew said.
Americans of all races want Voter ID.
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) February 4, 2026
Why are Democrats against it?
Is it THAT consequential to their elections to be so against their voters?
Countries across the globe have it.
Voter ID should be required in U.S. too. https://t.co/tpXojqeqN5
Abbott wrote that many countries require voter identification and said the United States should adopt the same standard. He questioned whether Democratic opposition to voter ID was consequential to election outcomes.
Debates over voter identification and other election administration policies are continuing in several states as lawmakers consider election rules ahead of the next federal election cycle, according to state legislative records and public statements.
