Texas Poll Workers Must Now Require Naturalization Docs From People Trying To Vote With Noncitizen IDs
SUMMARY
Texas poll workers must now require proof of naturalization from voters presenting noncitizen identification, such as limited-term driver’s licenses, before issuing a regular ballot. Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson updated the guidance following concerns that noncitizens could vote under the previous rule, which allowed those with noncitizen IDs to vote without further verification. Now, voters must present a naturalization card or certificate to prove U.S. citizenship. The change came after pressure from Republican leaders like Rep. Chip Roy and Texas State Rep. Brian Harrison, who criticized the original guidance. Roy emphasized the importance of preventing noncitizen voting, highlighting that over 2.8 million noncitizens in Texas hold state-issued IDs. Harrison also pushed for immediate action as early voting nears. Both praised the updated guidance but called for the Texas legislature to further clarify election laws to ensure only U.S. citizens can vote in Texas.
