Ken Paxton Leads Multistate Coalition Supporting Proof of Citizenship in Federal Elections

Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a formal comment on behalf of a 14-state coalition to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission in support of a rulemaking petition from the America First Legal Foundation (AFL). The petition calls for strengthening federal voter registration requirements by mandating documentary proof of U.S. citizenship as a prerequisite for registration.

"It's imperative that only eligible U.S. citizens are registering and voting in our elections," said Paxton. "Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of our Republic, and every illegal vote dilutes the voice of law-abiding American citizens. We must require proof of citizenship to protect the voice of the true American people."

The filing argues that the current registration process fails to protect voter rolls from ineligible registrations. Paxton's comment urges the EAC to amend its regulations under the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) to require verifiable documentation of citizenship on the federal voter registration form, ensuring states can maintain accurate voter lists.

Paxton also referenced President Trump's Executive Order 14248, "Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections," which directs federal agencies to safeguard election integrity.

He emphasized that implementing proof-of-citizenship requirements would reduce administrative burdens on states and reinforce public confidence in the democratic process.

This petition echoes similar petitions made by members of the Republican Party to protect U.S. Elections and ensure only eligible citizens are registering to vote.