Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

Citizen Ballot Protection Act

Summary

The Citizen Ballot Protection Act aims to amend the National Voter Registration Act of 1993. It would allow states to require proof of citizenship as part of the mail-in voter registration process. The bill seeks to ensure that only eligible citizens participate in federal elections.

Expected Effects

If enacted, this act would change the mail-in voter registration process. States could add a requirement for applicants to provide proof of U.S. citizenship. This could potentially affect voter turnout and administrative burdens.

Potential Benefits

  • Potentially reduces non-citizen voting, enhancing election integrity.
  • May increase public confidence in the electoral process.
  • Could lead to more accurate voter rolls.
  • Aligns voter registration requirements more closely with eligibility criteria.
  • Addresses concerns about potential vulnerabilities in the existing system.

Potential Disadvantages

  • May disproportionately affect naturalized citizens and those with limited access to documentation.
  • Could decrease voter turnout, particularly among eligible minority groups.
  • May increase administrative burdens and costs for states.
  • Potential for voter suppression if implemented improperly.
  • Could lead to legal challenges based on equal protection and voting rights.

Constitutional Alignment

The bill's constitutionality is debatable. Proponents might argue it aligns with states' rights to manage elections (Article I, Section 4). Opponents could argue it violates the 14th Amendment's equal protection clause and potentially the 15th Amendment by creating barriers to voting based on national origin.

Impact Assessment: Things You Care About

This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).