Voters in multiple states approved ballot measures that will allow only American citizens to vote in elections. Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Wisconsin all passed the constitutional amendments that will require proof of U.S. citizenship to vote.
Voters in all of the eight states where the measure appeared approved it overwhelmingly by 62% or more. It’s already illegal for noncitizens to vote in elections in those states and at the federal level.
The amendments passed will modify existing language in those states’ constitutions to state that “only” citizens can vote. It currently says that “every citizen” or “all citizens” can do so.
Critics call the change “unnecessary,” while supporters say these laws are critical to protect the integrity of elections.
Some districts allow noncitizens to vote in local elections like the District of Columbia, and a few more areas in Maryland, Vermont and California.
