Citizen Ballot Protection Act
Summary
The "Citizen Ballot Protection Act" (H.R. 6102) proposes amending the National Voter Registration Act of 1993. It aims to allow states to require proof of citizenship as part of the mail-in voter registration process. The bill also includes a technical correction, updating a reference from the "Federal Election Commission" to the "Election Assistance Commission".
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would grant states the option to mandate proof of citizenship for mail-in voter registration. This could potentially increase administrative burdens for applicants. It may also impact voter turnout, particularly among naturalized citizens or those with limited access to documentation.
Potential Benefits
- May enhance the integrity of voter rolls by reducing the potential for non-citizens to vote.
- Could increase public confidence in the electoral process.
- Aligns with the principle that only citizens should participate in federal elections.
- Provides states with greater flexibility in managing their voter registration processes.
- The technical correction ensures accuracy in referencing the appropriate federal agency.
Potential Disadvantages
- Could disproportionately affect naturalized citizens and other eligible voters who may face challenges in providing proof of citizenship.
- May lead to decreased voter turnout, especially among minority groups and low-income individuals.
- Could increase administrative costs for states to verify citizenship documentation.
- May face legal challenges based on claims of disenfranchisement and violation of voting rights.
- Could create barriers to voter registration, potentially conflicting with the spirit of the National Voter Registration Act.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutionality is debatable. While Article I, Section 2 grants states the power to determine voter qualifications, this power is subject to constitutional limits, including the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment and the Fifteenth Amendment, which prohibits denying or abridging the right to vote based on race. The Supreme Court has addressed state requirements for voter registration in several cases, and the specific details of how states implement proof-of-citizenship requirements would likely be subject to judicial review to ensure they do not unduly burden the right to vote.
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).