Texas considers requiring citizenship proof for voter registration
Share and Follow


AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas lawmakers are reviewing legislation that would require people to show proof of citizenship to register to vote.

Some activist groups said they’re concerned the policy outlined in Senate Bill 16 and House Bill 5337 will end up blocking eligible Texans from voting.

The bills do not provide a way to submit documentation online. It can only be done in person, through mail or over the phone, according to SB 16.

Under the legislation, voters would need to provide the following when showing up at the polls, as stated in SB 16:

  • a copy of a U.S. passport;
  • a passport card;
  • a certified copy of a birth certificate issued by a U.S. state or territory;
  • “United States citizenship papers issued to the person”
  • identification issued by the U.S. agency responsible for citizenship and immigration; or
  • “for citizens abroad, a certificate of report of birth or consular report of birth abroad” issued by the U.S. Department of State

Texas has more than 18 million registered voters, according to The Texas Tribune.

“We need to find a way to allow people to make voting easier, not harder, not creating barriers,” said Chase Bearden, executive direction with Coalition of Texans with Disabilities.

Supporters of the legislation, like Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, said the policy will maintain Texas election integrity, allowing citizens to be confident in the outcome of state elections.

“This issue is not controversial; only citizens should vote in Texas elections. I thank Sen. Hughes for his continued leadership in ensuring Texas elections are more secure than ever,” Patrick said in a statement on April 1.

SB 16 passed in the Senate in early April and is pending in the House elections committee, along with House Bill 5337.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Individual killed after exchanging gunfire with border patrol agents in Texas

One person dies after shooting at border patrol agents in Texas

A man was killed after exchanging gunfire with U.S. Customs and Border…
Two-time cancer survivor running first half marathon

Get a sneak peek: Onyx Collective announces premiere date of season 3 “Reasonable Doubt” on Hulu, shares first-look photos

Court is in session! Onyx Collective’s hit legal drama, “Reasonable Doubt,” is…
Australian Erin Patterson found guilty of all counts in mushroom murders case

Australian Erin Patterson convicted of all charges in mushroom killings trial

An Australian woman was on Monday convicted of murdering three elderly relatives…
Fultondale man who died at the Jefferson County Jail had been booked twice over several months

Man from Fultondale who passed away while in Jefferson County Jail was arrested two times in the span of several months

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — An inmate at the Jefferson County Jail died…
A Vermont dairy farm was raided. The mixed messages from Washington since then have increased fears

Confusion and Concern Rise After Raid on Vermont Dairy Farm

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — After six 12-hour shifts milking cows, José Molina-Aguilar’s…
Glynn County police: 17-year-old arrested for attempted car-break in

Glynn County Police: 17-Year-Old Arrested for Trying to Break into a Car

A second suspect involved in the incident fled from police and remains…
Wisconsin nonprofit helps heal PTSD with music therapy for veterans

Wisconsin charity uses music therapy to support veterans with PTSD

APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV) As many celebrate this Fourth of July weekend, one…
The Dalai Lama celebrates his 90th birthday

The Dalai Lama marks his 90th birthday

Living in exile since fleeing Chinese rule in 1959, he remains a…