Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires individuals to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship in order to register to vote in federal elections.

Highlights:

• Requires individuals to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship in order to register to vote in federal elections (Sec. 2).

• Prohibits states from accepting and processing an application to register to vote in a federal election unless the applicant presents documentary proof of U.S. citizenship (Sec. 2).

• Prohibits states from registering an individual to vote in a federal election unless, at the time the individual applies to register to vote, the individual provides documentary proof of U.S. citizenship (Sec. 2).

• Requires states to establish an alternative process under which an applicant may submit other evidence to demonstrate U.S. citizenship (Sec. 2).

• Requires each state take affirmative steps on an ongoing basis to ensure that only U.S. citizens are registered to vote, which shall include establishing a program to identify individuals who are not U.S. citizens using information supplied by specified sources (Sec. 2).

• Requires states to remove noncitizens from their official lists of eligible voters.

• Authorizes for a private right of action against an election official who registers an applicant to vote in a federal election who fails to present documentary proof of U.S. citizenship (Sec. 2).

• Establishes criminal penalties for registering an applicant to vote in a federal election who fails to present documentary proof of U.S. citizenship (Sec. 2).

• Requires the Election Assistance Commission to within 10 days, adopt and transmit guidance for implementing the bill's requirements to chief state election officials (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text

Full Bill Text