Ted Cruz Backs Measure to Require Proof of Citizenship for Voter Registration
Senator Ted Cruz is leading a coalition of congressional Republicans in support of a new initiative to keep noncitizens from voting in American elections, throwing his weight behind a petition that would overhaul the federal voter registration process.
On Tuesday, Cruz and Congressman Eli Crane submitted a formal comment letter to the Election Assistance Commission (EAC), endorsing a petition from the America First Legal Foundation that would require documentary proof of citizenship—such as a passport or military ID—before anyone could register to vote in federal elections.
Challenging the ‘Honor System’
Currently, the federal voter registration form relies on applicants checking a box to affirm their citizenship under penalty of perjury. Cruz and Crane called that system “a self-attestation honor system” that provides “no meaningful safeguard” against noncitizens ending up on voter rolls.
“Requiring documentary proof of citizenship is a simple, common-sense reform,” their letter argued. “Just as Americans are asked to show identification for far less consequential activities… it is entirely reasonable to require proof of citizenship to participate in our elections.”
Broad Republican Support
The letter, obtained by The Daily Wire, was co-signed by a long list of Republican senators and representatives, including Sens. John Cornyn, Marsha Blackburn, Bernie Moreno, Roger Marshall, Cindy Hyde-Smith, and Ted Budd. House signatories included Byron Donalds, Andy Biggs, Mary Miller, Pat Fallon, and Clay Higgins.
Supporters of the move say it’s a necessary step to secure elections and restore public trust, especially amid growing concerns about voter fraud and election integrity.
Arizona’s Experience at the Forefront
Arizona is the only state with over 20 years of experience requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration. The Arizona Secretary of State’s office told The Daily Wire that while it supports election security, implementing these requirements involves “significant logistical and resource demands” and can present challenges for both voters and election administrators.
Still, Arizona remains the model for what the proposed reform would look like on a national level. The petition would expand the requirement to all 50 states, mandating acceptable documents like U.S. passports, Real ID-compliant state IDs, or other forms of government-issued identification that confirm citizenship.
A Pivotal Election Integrity Debate
Supporters of the petition argue that a documented system would prevent foreign nationals from influencing American elections and ensure confidence in the integrity of the electoral process.
“The right to vote is one of the most fundamental privileges of American citizenship,” Cruz and Crane wrote. “Protecting that right requires a system that is both secure and trustworthy.”
The petition is still under review by the Election Assistance Commission. If adopted, it could signal a major shift in how voter eligibility is verified across the country heading into the 2026 midterms.