Administration mandates proof of citizenship for federal election voter registration

Washington County officials are taking significant steps to enhance the integrity of federal elections by implementing stricter citizenship verification measures. During the recent Board of Commissioners meeting on April 15, 2025, discussions centered around enforcing a federal prohibition on foreign nationals voting, with a focus on requiring documentary proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration.

The proposed measures include updating the national mail voter registration form to mandate that applicants provide specific documentation proving their citizenship. This documentation could include a U.S. passport or a government-issued photo ID that clearly indicates the applicant's citizenship status. Additionally, the form will require details such as the type of document presented, its issuance and expiration dates, and any unique identification numbers associated with it.

To support these efforts, the Secretary of Homeland Security will ensure that state and local officials have access to necessary systems for verifying the citizenship status of individuals registering to vote. This access will be provided without any fees, facilitating a more efficient verification process. The meeting also highlighted the importance of maintaining the security of personal information during this verification process.

In a broader context, the Department of Homeland Security will review state voter registration lists alongside federal immigration databases to ensure compliance with federal requirements. This initiative aims to identify and address any unqualified voters currently registered in the United States.

The commissioners emphasized the importance of these measures in protecting the voting rights of American citizens and ensuring that their votes are counted accurately. The community is encouraged to support the implementation of these citizenship requirements, reinforcing the integrity of the electoral process in Washington County.

As these initiatives move forward, the county aims to enhance voter confidence and uphold the democratic process, ensuring that elections reflect the will of eligible citizens.