Texas House lawmakers are currently debating a bill that would require voters to provide proof of citizenship before registering to vote. This proposal mirrors the federal SAVE Act, which recently passed in the U.S. House.
The Texas bill, already passed by the Senate, mandates that voters provide a U.S. passport, a certified copy of their birth certificate, or citizenship papers to register. Supporters argue it’s necessary to prevent noncitizen voting, while opponents contend it’s unconstitutional and creates unnecessary hurdles for eligible voters, particularly those who may lack easy access to the required documents.
The bill faces opposition from voting rights groups and Democratic lawmakers who liken it to a poll tax, citing the costs associated with obtaining new passports or passport cards. They argue that existing safeguards, like the requirement for applicants to swear they are U.S. citizens under penalty of perjury and the secretary of state’s regular checks on voter rolls, are sufficient.
Data suggests that a significant percentage of voting-age citizens in Texas, particularly people of color and Republicans, may not have easy access to proof of citizenship. Concerns have also been raised about the potential impact on elderly voters and married women who have changed their names.
If passed, the bill would make voter registrars responsible for vetting applicants and checking their citizenship status against a state database. Those unable to provide proof of citizenship would be limited to voting only in Congressional elections, unless they provide documentation within six days after the election.
The law would also create a new illegal registration offense with potential jail time and fines, and local election officials could face similar penalties for allowing noncitizens to register.
For now, the bill remains pending. But the debate over voting rights in Texas is far from over.