Texas considers requiring citizenship proof for voter registration
Share this @internewscast.com


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 this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Vice President Vance Clarifies: ‘Our Conflict is with Iran’s Nuclear Program, Not Iran Itself’

IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site…

Tragic Accident in Osceola County: SUV and Semitruck Collision Kills 6, Reports FHP

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – Six people were killed in a fiery crash…

NATO Summits During Wartime Have Centered on Ukraine, But Trump’s Presence May Shift the Focus

BRUSSELS – At NATO’s initial summits after Russia launched its comprehensive invasion…

Steven Cloyd’s Family Honors Him with a Ceremony, Remembering His Humor and Love for the Vikings

JONESBOROUGH, Tenn. (WJHL) — Almost ten months after Hurricane Helene claimed the…

Satellite Images Reveal Damage from Bombing at Iranian Nuclear Facilities

(NewsNation) — Newly released satellite imagery shows damage to three nuclear sites…

Storm Team 3: Potential Fog on Monday Morning; Expect a Hot Week

The heat is about to lock in for the new week. First,…

Satellite Images Reveal Effects of Bombing on Iranian Nuclear Facility

(NewsNation) — Recently unveiled satellite images reveal the impact on Iran’s Fordow…

Reports indicate Houston Rockets trade for Kevin Durant from Phoenix Suns

One of the NBA’s most accomplished scorers is on the move yet…

Weather Update: Intense Heat Persists Throughout the Week

The forecast indicates yet another sweltering and muggy day, with temperatures soaring…

Has the Mega Millions Game Update Affected Player Wins?

(NEXSTAR) — In April, Mega Millions revamped its national lottery draw game…

Free HIV Testing Available on National HIV Testing Day by CUPHD

CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — With National HIV Testing Day on the…

Kamala Harris Considers Running in California Governor’s Race

Kamala Harris is leaning toward entering the California gubernatorial race, sources familiar…