I like your idea of election day becoming a national holiday to allow and encourage everyone to vote, but I am sure that a large number of people would use it for other purposes.
In Georgia, we have had to show a photo ID to vote for about 20 years now. Almost any state or federally-issued picture ID like a passport, driver's license, state ID, or federal picture ID works. They usually want the state ID which has a bar code on it and will automatically bring up your information when scanned.
For several years after they started the electronic registration process they required voters to fill out a paper registration form where they had to print their name and address TWICE on the same stupid form before signing it and presenting it to the registrar. Then they would check your identity and scan your state driver's license. They did not have to type your information into the system since it was already there. It always pissed me off that I had to stop and write my name and address TWICE. So, I presented my federal employee picture ID which required THEM to manually type my name into the system and look it up. Then they had to transfer the information into the voting registration system. After several years and many complaints, they finally figured out that this was stupid, redundant, and unnecessary and they stopped requiring voters to stop and write their name and address TWICE to register. Then, I started presenting my state driver's license for scanning which made the whole process much faster and smoother for everyone, not just the employees at the polling center. I know this seems petty, but I dislike bureaucracies taking advantage of people instead of making things easier for them. One thing I noted was that they are very precise about verifying that the photo matches the person presenting the ID before they scan the ID into the system.
We vote using an electronic voting machine, but once you have made your selections, the machine prints out your ballot and selections on card stock on a printer beside your voting booth. You then pick up your printed ballot, verify that your selections are accurate, and then hand carry it to the exit area where you are required to place the paper ballot into a scanner which then registers your vote. The idea is that they can use the paper ballots to verify votes during a recount should that become necessary. As everyone knows, that has happened, and the system, such as it is, works.
During the chinese virus pandemic, my wife and I voted using absentee ballots. Of course, you have to be registered first. That process also requires that you have a valid ID. When you submit your absentee ballot request, either online or via mail, you have to include your driver's license number on the form, or a copy of your ID if you mail it in. The process was straightforward and seemed to be as secure as can be without having someone look at you to verify you are who you purport to be. We used this process three times during the pandemic and had no issues.
This election we plan to vote in person. Georgia has about four weeks of early voting prior to the election day. We usually vote during this period to avoid crowds.
