GOP Lawmakers Push for Citizenship Proof in Voter Registration

Senator Ted Cruz of Texas and Representative Eli Crane of Arizona have initiated a campaign to mandate proof of U.S. citizenship for federal voter registration. This effort aligns with a petition from the America First Legal Foundation, advocating for changes to the regulations set by the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) and the National Mail Voter Registration Form.

The push for these changes comes shortly after Texas State Secretary Jane Nelson revealed that the state had identified over 2,700 registered voters who are not American citizens. In Texas, non-citizens are barred from voting in federal, state, and most local elections. Nelson emphasized the importance of protecting the sanctity of the vote, urging counties to conduct thorough investigations to ensure all registered voters meet eligibility requirements, similar to existing verification practices.

In a letter supporting the petition, the lawmakers expressed concern that the current registration process relies on “self-attestation of citizenship.” This means individuals can potentially verify their citizenship status inaccurately by simply checking a box. The letter highlights the need for a more robust system that requires documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration.

Details of the Legislative Effort

The petition filed by the America First Legal Foundation earlier this year calls for the EAC to update its regulations to include a documentary proof requirement. The letter, signed by multiple Republican lawmakers—including Representatives Byron Donalds and Greg Steube, as well as Senators Marsha Blackburn, John Cornyn, and Ron Johnson—argues that requiring proof of citizenship is a “simple, common-sense reform.”

As part of its voter verification efforts, Texas has collaborated with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to utilize the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements data. Secretary Nelson described this data set as “critically important” for ensuring the integrity of the voter rolls and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to identifying ineligible voters.

The lawmakers contend that asking for proof of citizenship is no different than the identification requirements individuals face for other activities, such as boarding an airplane or opening a bank account. Their letter asserts that it is entirely reasonable to expect similar standards for participation in elections.

In conclusion, the call for proof of citizenship in voter registration is gaining traction among Republican lawmakers, reflecting a broader movement within the party to enhance election security. As discussions continue, the implications for voter access and election integrity remain at the forefront of this legislative effort.