Finstad Survey and Why You Should Vote No
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Proof-of-Citizenship Requirements Could Suppress Voter Participation
As debates over election security intensify, some lawmakers advocate for laws mandating individuals to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote. While intended to prevent noncitizen voting, such measures may inadvertently disenfranchise eligible voters.
Impact on Eligible Voters
A 2024 survey by the Brennan Center for Justice, VoteRiders, Public Wise, and the Center for Democracy and Civic Engagement at the University of Maryland found that nearly 21 million Americans—about 9% of eligible voters—lack easy access to documents proving their citizenship, such as a passport or birth certificate. This lack disproportionately affects communities of color, with 3% of voters of color lacking citizenship documents compared to 1% of white voters. Source
Case Studies: Arizona and Kansas
Arizona's proof-of-citizenship law, enacted in 2005, has led to complications. In 2024, officials discovered that approximately 97,000 voters were incorrectly marked in the state's voter rolls due to errors in tracking citizenship documentation. Source
Similarly, Kansas implemented a law requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration, which between 2013 and 2016, led to more than 30,000 voter registrations being suspended. Source
Disproportionate Effects on Marginalized Communities
Research shows that strict voter ID laws, including proof-of-citizenship requirements, disproportionately affect racial minorities. A peer-reviewed study by Zoltan Hajnal found these laws significantly reduce turnout among racial minorities and skew democratic outcomes.
Legal Perspectives
The U.S. Supreme Court, in the 2013 case Arizona v. Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, ruled that Arizona's requirement for documentary proof of citizenship when using the federal voter registration form was preempted by the National Voter Registration Act. Source
Conclusion
While safeguarding elections is crucial, imposing documentary proof-of-citizenship requirements may create significant barriers for eligible voters—especially among already marginalized communities. Ensuring accessible voting processes is essential to upholding a robust and inclusive democracy.
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-- Michael Heidelberger