By Salma El-Sakka
Voters in six states will decide on November 3 whether to amend their constitutions or laws to require U.S. citizenship for voting, a push driven by President Donald Trump’s unsubstantiated claims of widespread noncitizen voting fraud.
Ballot measures in five states
Arizona, Arkansas, Kansas, South Dakota, and West Virginia have constitutional amendments on the ballot, while Alaska voters will consider a new state law. No state constitution currently includes a citizenship requirement for voting.
Supporters cite need for permanent protection
Advocates argue that existing federal and state laws prohibiting noncitizen voting can be changed by future legislatures. West Virginia state Sen. Patricia Rucker said the amendment would ensure no future legislature could alter election law with a simple bill.
Opponents warn of mass disenfranchisement
Civil rights groups and voting-rights advocates say the measures, coupled with proof-of-citizenship registration requirements, could sideline millions of eligible Americans. An estimated 21.3 million eligible voters lack ready access to citizenship documentation due to lost records, financial barriers, name changes, and clerical errors, according to a 2025 University of Maryland study.
Personal stories highlight documentation hurdles
Jemmie Lolita Pepper, a 63-year-old Indiana educator born in the U.S., spent decades unable to prove her citizenship because of clerical errors in state records. With pro bono legal help, she recently obtained an official ID. Gulf War veteran Symmone Ford, 56, said her PTSD and financial constraints make navigating documentation processes nearly impossible.
Experts cite rare noncitizen voting
Data from the nonpartisan Center for Election Innovation and Research shows noncitizen voting is extremely rare. In Michigan’s 2024 general election, 38 credible cases were identified out of 5.7 million votes cast — 0.0000066% of the total. No state uncovered a coordinated effort to register noncitizens.
Legal battles continue
Efforts by Trump and Republican allies to impose a nationwide proof-of-citizenship standard stalled in Congress and were blocked by federal courts. The U.S. Supreme Court will decide later this year whether states can mandate proof of citizenship on state registration forms and for state races.
