Welfare offices and other agencies across 49 U.S. states are distributing voter registration forms to immigrants without requiring proof of citizenship. This widespread practice has led to calls from conservatives for federal intervention to stop the distribution of these forms.
Only Arizona stands apart, having recently enacted a law that bars the practice for state forms, although federal forms remain unaffected.
Federal voting forms do not require proof of U.S. citizenship, even though non-citizens voting in federal elections is illegal. This has raised concerns about the integrity of the voter registration process. Migrants with humanitarian parole, refugee, or asylum status often visit these offices where voter registration takes place, increasing the risk of non-citizens inadvertently registering to vote.
The National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) of 1993 mandates states to register voters at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and agencies where Americans apply for public benefits. These offices must provide voter registration forms with application papers. If applicants declare they are U.S. citizens, this declaration is accepted as valid, leading to automatic voter registration.
In response, the House Administration Committee recently approved the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act. This proposed legislation would require proof of citizenship when registering to vote by mail, at a DMV, or at a welfare agency office. Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), who introduced the measure, emphasized the necessity of preventing illegal voter registration.
Federal prosecutions, state investigations, and audits have revealed instances of non-citizens registering to vote. Left-wing voter groups sued Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger of Georgia for attempting to implement citizenship verification methods. Hundreds of non-citizens have been found casting ballots in various elections.
House Republican leaders have not yet scheduled a floor vote for the SAVE Act, but it may be considered before the August recess. Even if it passes the House, the bill faces a difficult path in the Democrat-controlled Senate. Several Republican senators have already voiced their support.
