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

Bright’s Zoo takes in donkeys from David Crockett Birthplace State Park after damage from Helene

The two donkeys residing at David Crockett Birthplace State Park in Limestone,…

Frazier Takes Charge as Liberty Co. Superintendent, Highlights Focus on Literacy and Parent Involvement

LIBERTY COUNTY, Ga. () – The Liberty County School System board has…

Second-ranking US diplomat holds talks with frequently-prosecuted West African leader following relaxation of visa restrictions.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, Christopher Landau, recently held…

Georgia Educators Advocate for Smaller Classes and Higher Salaries Before 2026 Legislative Session

ATLANTA (WJBF) – Just three months remain until the 2026 legislative session,…

Judge Rebukes Trump in Decision Favoring Student Protesters on Free Speech Issues

WASHINGTON — On Tuesday, a federal judge criticized the Trump administration’s efforts…

Hegseth Discusses Updated Military Standards and Gender

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

Pressure Mounts on a Weakened Hamas to Consider Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan

JERUSALEM – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may have finally outmaneuvered Hamas.…

Inaugural Banana Ball Championship Set for Grayson Stadium

SAVANNAH, Ga. () – On Tuesday morning, the Savannah Bananas revealed that…

Discover if You’re Getting Paid Three Times This October: Here’s How to Check

(NEXSTAR) — Halloween enthusiasts and fans of trick-or-treating have a special treat…

SSU Volleyball Aims to Set New Attendance Record This Thursday

SAVANNAH, Ga. — The Savannah State Lady Tigers Volleyball squad is inviting…

Trump Withdraws E.J. Antoni’s Nomination for Bureau of Labor Statistics Head, According to AP Source

WASHINGTON – The nomination of E.J. Antoni to head the Bureau of…

“Dreaming of Parenthood: Woman Accused of Abducting Father and Two Children”

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Authorities have detained a woman following an incident where…