Van Orden Introduces Citizen Vote Protection Act

WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) today introduced the Citizen Vote Protection Act, which will require driver’s licenses and identification cards to include an indication of United States citizenship.

“Over 80 percent of Americans agree that voters should have to show identification to vote – this is the mainstream position,” said Van Orden. “This bill will help strengthen voter confidence and help ensure free, fair, and secure elections.”

The right to vote is a vital component of U.S. citizenship, and the 15th, 19th, 24th, and 26th Amendments, as well as the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, prohibit voting by non-citizens in federal elections. However, states have confirmed that ineligible non-citizen voters have cast ballots in federal elections due to poorly maintained voter registration lists.

The Citizen Vote Protection Act amends the Real ID Act to require states to include an indication of citizenship on state-issued identification – making it easier for election officials to ensure that noncitizens do not vote in federal elections.

Read the bill text here.