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Bill requiring documentary proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration advanced to third reading
Summary
Bill 154‑38 COR would require documentary proof of U.S. citizenship and photo ID for voter registration in Guam; sponsors cited federal standards and Election Commission support and moved the bill to the third‑reading file by unanimous consent.
The Legislature advanced Bill 154‑38 COR to third reading after sponsors argued the measure would align Guam’s voter‑registration rules with federal election‑integrity standards and with practices in other U.S. jurisdictions.
Sponsor arguments said a 2015 law that removed documentary proof requirements in favor of an affidavit did not increase turnout and that reinstating a documents‑based verification model would strengthen public confidence. The sponsor cited comparative practices in several U.S. territories and states and referenced Executive Order 14248 as context for documentary standards commonly used in federal guidance.
Senators noted the Guam Election Commission supports the bill and testified it would help tighten voter rolls, reduce election‑day disputes and assist compliance with federal audits tied to federal election grants. A floor speaker said federal assistance to Guam (cited in testimony at about $200,000 annually) is tied to compliance with federal integrity standards.
Floor sponsors asked to add cosponsors and then moved the bill to the third‑reading file; the presiding officer recorded no objections and ordered placement on third reading. The bill will return for a recorded vote and any additional committee or agency follow up that the Guam Election Commission requests.
