Republicans in numerous state legislatures are introducing bills that would mandate documentary proof of citizenship to vote, with some also advocating for voter ID requirements. Despite Donald Trump’s previous election victory, Republicans continue to push for tighter voting restrictions, citing election security concerns without substantial evidence of widespread voter fraud. These measures include stricter voter ID laws, citizenship verification, and limitations on voter eligibility and mail-in voting processes. The proposed bills, if passed before the 2026 midterms, could potentially hinder certain demographics from voting. The Brennan Center’s Andrew Garber criticizes these laws as harmful to eligible voters and based on false claims about election integrity.

At the federal level, the US House has passed the Save Act, which aims to enforce citizenship verification during voter registration and restrict online and mail-in registrations. Former President Trump has also issued an executive order calling for proof of citizenship. Some states like New Hampshire and Louisiana have already implemented citizenship verification laws, leading to complications for voters who face name discrepancies. The Brennan Center’s report highlights that several states have enacted voting restrictions in 2024, including laws that limit ballot assistance, absentee ballot procedures, and voter roll purges.

Furthermore, some states have imposed restrictions on citizen ballot measures, undermining the direct democracy process. Notably, in Arkansas and South Dakota, lawmakers have passed bills to impede initiatives. In North Carolina, a judge has challenged thousands of voters’ eligibility following his election loss, raising concerns about the potential misuse of power to contest election outcomes. These developments signify a broader trend of eroding confidence in elections and manipulating the democratic process for political gain.