Executive Summary
- Senators Shelley Moore Capito and Katie Britt have reintroduced the Citizen Ballot Protection Act.
- The legislation would amend the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) to explicitly allow states to require proof of citizenship for mail-in voter registration.
- Proponents cite recent local laws in Washington, D.C., and other cities allowing noncitizens to vote in local elections as a key reason for the bill.
- The bill aims to ensure that only U.S. citizens are able to register and vote in federal elections.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Katie Britt (R-AL) have reintroduced legislation aimed at allowing states to require proof of American citizenship for individuals registering to vote by mail in federal elections. The bill, titled the Citizen Ballot Protection Act, was put forward by the senators, who are both members of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration.
The proposed legislation would amend the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) of 1993. Specifically, it seeks to codify the ability of states to require citizenship verification for the federal mail-in voter registration form and any equivalent state-level forms. This would grant states explicit authority to implement such a requirement.
“The right to vote, which is a cornerstone of our democracy, is a distinct honor and privilege granted to American citizens,” Senator Capito said in a statement. “That is why I am proud to help introduce the Citizen Ballot Protection Act, legislation that further protects that right by strengthening states’ ability to ensure only American citizens are voting in federal elections.”
The reintroduction of the bill follows measures passed in several municipalities that permit noncitizens to vote in local elections. The article cites Washington, D.C.’s 2024 law, which allows noncitizens who have been residents for at least 30 days to vote in local races. Similar ordinances have also been enacted in cities in Maryland, Vermont, and New York.
The Citizen Ballot Protection Act directly addresses Section 6 of the NVRA, which mandates that states must accept and use the federal mail voter registration application form. By amending this act, the bill aims to give states the clear legal authority to add a proof-of-citizenship requirement to their mail-in registration process.