Bill to Mandate Proof of Citizenship for Voting Introduced by Republican

Bill Introduced by Rep. Chip Roy

Rep. Chip Roy, a Republican from Texas, has proposed a bill in the lower house of Congress aimed at preventing illegal immigrants from voting in federal elections. The Epoch Times was the first to obtain a copy of the proposed legislation, named the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act.

Support from House Speaker Mike Johnson

House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, has expressed his support for the bill. He had previously pledged to bring forth such a bill during a meeting with former President Donald Trump. Despite the fact that noncitizen voting in federal elections is already illegal, previous Supreme Court rulings have restricted states' ability to verify voters' citizenship. The proposed bill by Rep. Roy aims to bolster the safeguards around voter registration to ensure compliance with the existing laws against noncitizens voting.

Requirements of the Bill

The bill stipulates that a state cannot accept and process an application to register to vote in a federal election unless the applicant provides documentary proof of U.S. citizenship. The legislation also includes provisions for mail-in voting registration or for those unable to provide documentary proof of citizenship, who can undergo a separate process to verify their citizenship. Furthermore, states would be required to actively ensure that only U.S. citizens are registered to vote, which includes removing ineligible noncitizens from voter rolls. The bill also mandates the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to investigate noncitizens who are illegally registered to vote.

Introduction to the Senate

Sen. Mike Lee, a Republican from Utah, will introduce the same bill to the Democrat-controlled Senate. He has urged for its approval and passage, emphasizing the importance of preventing foreign election interference and maintaining trust in the voting process.

Current Law and Concerns

House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed concerns primarily about the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, also known as the "Motor Voter" law. This law allows individuals to register to vote when they obtain a driver's license or interact with other state agencies. However, it does not allow states to request documentary proof of citizenship, which Johnson believes is a serious problem that needs to be addressed.

Response and Future of the Bill

Critics argue that the bill is redundant as federal law already prohibits illegal immigrants from voting. However, due to the Supreme Court's interpretation of the NVRA in 2013, there are no solid mechanisms for states to ensure that their voters are citizens. The bill's future in the lower house seems promising with the support of House Speaker Mike Johnson, but it may face challenges in the Democrat-controlled Senate.

What's Your Take?

What are your thoughts on this proposed legislation? Do you think it's necessary to strengthen the safeguards around voter registration, or do you believe the current laws are sufficient? Share this article with your friends and get their opinions too. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.