Election Integrity Battle Heats Up Over Proof-of-Citizenship Requirement

By: Fred Lucas | The Daily Signal

Two-thirds of state attorneys general have jumped into the fray over a potential federal rule to require proof of citizenship for voting forms.

The U.S. Election Assistance Commission, a four-member federal panel, will review a petition started by watchdog group America First Legal to add the requirement on the federal voter registration form.

Now, 19 Democrat attorneys general—led by Rob Bonta of California—oppose such a rule, and 14 Republican attorneys general—led by Ken Paxton of Texas—support it.

America First Legal said about 353,000 public comments were officially registered with the government on the issue, with the overwhelming majority in favor of the requirement. The comment period closed on Monday.

“It’s imperative that only eligible U.S. citizens are registering and voting in our elections,” Paxton said in a public statement Monday.

“Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of our republic, and every illegal vote dilutes the voice of law-abiding American citizens,” he continued. “We must require proof of citizenship to protect the voice of the true American people, which is why I’m leading this national coalition in supporting AFL’s rulemaking petition.”

My book “The Myth of Voter Suppression” documents how noncitizens and even illegal immigrants have voted in past elections, in some cases leading to criminal charges.

Joining Paxton are Republican Attorneys General Steve Marshall of Alabama, Brenna Bird of Iowa, Tim Griffin of Arkansas, Kris Kobach of Kansas, Chris Carr of Georgia, Liz Murrill of Louisiana, Raúl Labrador of Idaho, Mike Hilgers of Nebraska, Todd Rokita of Indiana, Dave Yost of Ohio, Alan Wilson of South Carolina, John McCuskey of West Virginia, and Marty Jackley of South Dakota.

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