Federal law already allows only U.S. citizens to vote in elections for president and Congress. Yet Republicans are raising concerns about the potential for noncitizens voting in this year’s elections. In Congress, House Speaker Mike Johnson is trying to link an extension of government spending authority to a proposal to require proof of citizenship for voter registration. GOP officials in states also have undertaken voter roll reviews, issued executive orders and placed constitutional amendments on state ballots as part of an emphasis on thwarting noncitizen voting. Some Democrats contend it’s all unnecessary and could create hurdles for legal voters. Data from states indicates that noncitizen voting is rare.
