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.
