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

The State Department Releases Global Security Alert for Travelers

() On Sunday evening, the State Department issued a “worldwide caution” security…

Trump Claims U.S. Strikes Have ‘Totally Destroyed’ Iran’s Main Nuclear Facilities

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says Iran’s key nuclear sites were…

Global Community Urges Diplomacy in Response to US Strikes on Iran

The U.S. attack on Iran has sparked concerns that Israel’s conflict with…

Republican Congressman Questions Constitutionality of U.S. Bombing Iran

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), one of the most vocal Republicans pushing against…

Tragic Lake Tahoe Boating Incident: 6 Dead, 2 Missing

Six individuals lost their lives, two were hospitalized, and two others are…

Inside Look: White House Photos Reveal Trump’s Decision on Iran Strikes in the Situation Room

WASHINGTON – An image captures President Donald Trump focused and impassive, as…

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

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

The United States targets three Iranian nuclear facilities, escalating involvement in the conflict between Israel and Iran.

DUBAI – On early Sunday, the United States targeted three locations in…

Defense Secretary Hegseth Addresses the Nation Following Strikes on Iran

() U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is set to hold a…

B-2 Bombers Return to Missouri After Participating in US Attack on Iranian Nuclear Sites

KNOB NOSTER, Mo. – The B-2 stealth bombers, which executed a mission…

Satellite Images Reveal Effects of Bombing on Iranian Nuclear Facility

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

What are the implications for the US if Iran is bombed?

() The U.S. conducted three strikes on nuclear facilities in Iran on…