It was defeated in a 53 to 47 vote.
The vote came during the second week of a marathon debate over a controversial elections bill known as the SAVE America Act, which would require proof of citizenship to register to vote and certain forms of photo ID to cast a ballot.
Schumer condemned the amendment on Thursday before the vote, arguing it would "impose the single strictest voter ID law in America.".
GOP Sen. Jon Husted of Ohio offered the amendment, which lists valid forms of photo ID as a driver's license, state-issued identification, passport, military ID or tribal ID.
Schumer said it would require people who vote by mail to include a photocopy of their ID with their ballot, which would eliminate the secrecy of how someone voted.
Polling has shown Americans are largely in favor of requiring a valid ID to vote.
Thune said Tuesday that Republicans would put Democrats on the spot on the issue after Schumer said last week that Democrats are not opposed to photo ID. »