Citizen Ballot Protection Act

S. 3177 would amend the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to explicitly permit states to require applicants to provide proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote by mail in federal elections. Currently, a 2013 Supreme Court ruling prevents states from imposing such documentary proof requirements on the federal mail voter registration form, though voters must still attest under penalty of perjury that they are citizens. If enacted, this bill would change that restriction and allow states to add citizenship verification requirements to both the federal mail registration form and any state-developed mail registration forms.

The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. Supporters argue it would strengthen election integrity by ensuring only U.S. citizens vote in federal elections. The legislation would require state modifications to the federal form to be reviewed by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, as is currently the case.