Walter Olson

“When scholars look at the effect of voter ID laws - either what the conservatives say on fraud or what progressive groups warn against about voter suppression - there doesn't seem to be a lot of proof that either has happened,”

Walter Olson · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-27

Olson argued that existing voter ID laws have not produced noticeable impacts on either fraud or voter suppression.

“Federal databases can be invaluable to states trying to update their voter rolls so long as their limitations are understood,”

Walter Olson · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-27

Olson commented on the usefulness and limitations of federal databases for states updating their voter rolls.

“So part of the Trump plan which requires the sharing of information is positive, even if the second part to require states to treat the database contents as reliable despite their continuing evident gaps and inaccuracies is bad.”

Walter Olson · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-27

Olson praised the information-sharing portion of the Trump plan but criticized requiring states to treat the database contents as fully reliable.