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

A Turkish student from Tufts University has returned to Boston following their release from a detention center in Louisiana.

BOSTON – A student studying at Tufts University, originally from Turkey, made…

Severe Weather Alert: Potential Storms Expected Later Today

ORLANDO, Fla. – Today is marked as a Weather Alert Day because…

Teens Abduct Las Vegas Man and Seize $4M in Cryptocurrency, Say Police

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Three teenagers are accused of kidnapping a man…

Glennville’s Sweet Onion Celebration

A little rain wasn’t enough to dampen the spirits in Glennville on…

Has Your Name Fallen Out of Favor? Federal Government Shares Latest Baby Name Trends

(NEXSTAR) – A massive trove of government name data, updated and released…

Corn Crib of Newman Announces Final Festival Weekend Before Closure

NEWMAN, Ill. (WCIA) — Corn Crib of Newman is set to shut…

Trump’s Proposal for a Millionaire Tax Increase Challenges Conventional Republican Beliefs

President Trump’s last-minute pitch to raise taxes on the highest-income Americans could…

U.S. Military Deploys Advanced Radar Technology to Counter Drone Threats at the Border

() The U.S. military is expanding its role at the Southern border,…

Over 100 Arrested on Tennessee Roads Backing Trump’s Deportation Policy

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Over 100 individuals have been detained by federal immigration…

Koyo Kouoh, Curator of the 2026 Venice Art Biennale, Passes Away Unexpectedly at 58

ROME – Koyo Kouoh, who was set to curate the 2026 Venice…

Augusta’s Salvation Army Joins Forces with Escape Outdoors to Help the Community Stay Cool

AUGUSTA, Ga () – The Salvation Army, in collaboration with Escape Outdoors,…

What is the expected rainfall for Central Florida from this Gulf storm?

In the lead-up to this significant weather occurrence, Central Florida experienced a…