BGOV Bill Summary: H.R. 8281, Voter Citizenship Proof

Voters would have to provide proof of US citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections and states would have to remove noncitizens from their voter rolls under H.R. 8281.

The bill would create a process for states to verify eligibility using government databases for individuals who don’t have documentary proof of citizenship. Election officials who violate the bill’s requirements could be subject to civil lawsuits and criminal penalties.

Noncitizens, including legal permanent residents, aren’t eligible to vote in federal elections but a 2013 Supreme Court ruling in Arizona v. Inter Tribal Council of Ariz. Inc. prevented states from ...