Congress seeks to require proof of U.S. citizenship to register for federal elections

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.

Introduced in Senate

If enacted, the proof-of-citizenship requirement starts right away for new federal voter registrations

People registering after the enactment date would need to show acceptable citizenship documents (or use the state’s backup process) or they won’t be registered for federal elections.

Election Assistance Commission issues implementation guidance to states

States would get instructions on how to run the “no-document” backup process, handle discrepancies, and set up disability accommodations; this can shape what voters are asked to do.

States set up an ongoing program to identify noncitizens on voter rolls

States would begin (or expand) regular checks using sources like DHS verification tools and Social Security number checks, which could lead to removals from federal-election rolls when records show noncitizenship.

Mail registrants who didn’t include proof get a notice and must present proof in person by the deadline

If you mail a federal registration form without citizenship proof, you should expect a follow-up notice and then need to show proof in person by your state’s registration deadline (or at the polling place in Election Day registration states).