Texas Governor Greg Abbott has signed a resolution aimed at amending the state constitution to explicitly restrict voting rights to U.S. citizens, a move that has sparked both support and criticism across the political spectrum. The resolution, which was introduced by Republican Senator Brian Birdwell in January 2024, seeks to add a new provision to the list of disqualifications for voting in Texas. The amendment would explicitly state that non-citizens are not allowed to vote in the state.
Under the current Texas constitution, individuals under the age of 18, as well as those deemed mentally incompetent by a court or with a felony conviction, are barred from voting. The new resolution would expand this list by including non-citizens as additional disqualifications. The measure was approved by the state legislature in April and May, with Abbott signing it in a recent video statement. However, the final decision rests with Texas voters, who will have a say in November 2024 on whether the amendment should be ratified and added to the state constitution.
The move has drawn comparisons to ongoing legal battles at the federal level, particularly regarding a Trump executive order requiring documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration. A federal judge recently blocked similar provisions, asserting that Congress, not the president, holds the authority to make such changes. This judicial intervention has raised questions about the broader implications of state-level voting restrictions and their potential impact on voter turnout and electoral integrity.
Despite the controversy surrounding the measure, the resolution aligns with efforts in other states. According to the Voting Rights Lab, 25 states are considering some form of proof-of-citizenship legislation. While 15 state constitutions already have explicit prohibitions against non-citizen voting, the push for state-level clarity reflects broader concerns about election integrity and fraud. However, critics argue that such measures could disproportionately affect minority and low-income voters, potentially leading to voter suppression.
The resolution has also sparked a debate over the role of state governments in shaping voting policies. As the nation grapples with the intersection of citizenship rights and electoral access, the Texas case highlights the ongoing tension between maintaining electoral integrity and ensuring broad democratic participation. The outcome of the November vote could set a precedent for similar efforts in other states and influence the national conversation on voting rights and citizenship eligibility.