Vote Smart's Synopsis:

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

Highlights:

• Requires individuals to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections (Sec. 2-7).

• 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. 2-7).

• Specifies what documents are considered acceptable proof of U.S. citizenship, such as identification that complies with the REAL ID Act of 2005 that indicates U.S. citizenship (Sec. 2-7).

• 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. 2-7).

• Requires states to establish an alternative process under which an applicant may submit other evidence to demonstrate U.S. citizenship (Sec. 2-7).

• Requires that 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 certain sources (Sec. 2-7).

• Requires that states remove noncitizens from their official lists of eligible voters (Sec. ).

• Authorizes a private right of action against an election official (Sec. 2-7).

• Establishes criminal penalties for certain offenses, including registering an applicant to vote in a federal election who fails to present documentary proof of U.S. citizenship (Sec. 2-7).

Full Bill Text

Full Bill Text