Today, six Secretaries of State are testifying on Capitol Hill about election security, while Republicans are advocating for a mandate requiring proof of citizenship to vote. Lawmakers are eager to hear what measures the Secretaries of State are implementing to ensure a secure and fair election this fall.
One key focus for many Secretaries of State is maintaining accurate voter rolls. The dynamic nature of voter registration requires constant updates as individuals turn 18, pass away, move in or out of states, become U.S. citizens, register to vote for the first time, lose voting rights due to felonies, or have their voting rights restored.
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, known for her efforts in removing RFK Jr. from the Michigan ballot, is among those testifying. Concerns about ineligible individuals casting votes have prompted states to take action to cleanse their voter rolls. For instance, Ohio recently removed over 500 non-citizens from its voter registry.
The House is set to vote on an interim spending bill today that includes a provision mandating voters to prove their citizenship before casting their ballots. However, the feasibility of states implementing this mandate before the upcoming November elections remains uncertain. House Speaker Mike Johnson evaded direct answers when questioned about the possibility of enforcing the mandate this fall.
One critical requirement in the spending bill is for every Secretary of State to conduct an audit of their voter rolls before the November 5th election day. While some states have already commenced early voting, the bill's passage in the House today is uncertain. Pressure is mounting on Speaker Johnson to adhere to the current plan and resist collaboration with Democrats.
Former President Trump has expressed willingness to accept a government shutdown if the spending bill fails to pass. The urgency to address election security and citizenship voting requirements underscores the ongoing debate and political tensions surrounding the upcoming elections.
