Bill would require proof of citizenship before a vote is counted, ban ballot drop boxes and require paid petition circulators to identify themselves

Senators introduced Senate Bill 153 at a first hearing of the Senate General Government Committee, saying the measure would require proof of U.S. citizenship before an elector’s vote is counted, end the use of ballot drop boxes and impose disclosure and identification requirements on paid petition circulators.

Sponsor Senator Gavarone told the committee the bill is aimed at further securing elections and increasing voter confidence. "It's simple. If you're a citizen, you can provide proof of your citizenship. You can vote in our elections. It's it's really that easy," she said.

In sponsor testimony, proponents said the BMV (Bureau of Motor Vehicles) database already verifies citizenship for many voters who use driver’s licenses or state IDs and that documents such as passports and birth certificates would also…