Election Integrity

Proof of Citizenship Voting Act

The purpose of this Act is to ensure that only U.S. citizens are eligible to vote in federal, state, and local elections by requiring proof of citizenship during the voter registration process and at the time of voting, when necessary.

Requirement to Prove Citizenship for Voter Registration

1. Proof of Citizenship: Any individual seeking to register to vote must provide proof of U.S. citizenship at the time of registration. Acceptable forms of proof include:

   • A certified birth certificate.

   • A valid U.S. passport.

   • A Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-550, N-560, N-561, or N-570).

   • A consular report of birth abroad (Form FS-240, DS-1350, or FS-545).

   • Other forms of citizenship documentation as determined by the state elections authority.

2. Electronic Verification: The Secretary of State or designated state election authority shall be authorized to electronically verify citizenship status by cross-referencing state and federal databases, including the Social Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security.

3. Affirmation of Citizenship: In addition to providing documentation, each voter must sign an affirmation under penalty of perjury that they are a U.S. citizen.

Establishment of the Electronic Birth Certificate Database

1. Creation of Database: The state shall establish and maintain an electronic birth certificate database that securely stores birth certificate records for all individuals born in the state.

2. Access to Records: The database shall be accessible to authorized state personnel and individuals seeking to obtain their birth certificates.

3. Eligibility and Application Process

   1. Eligibility: Any citizen who was born in the state or is the legal representative of the individual (e.g., parent or guardian) may request a birth certificate through the electronic database.

   2. Application Process:

      • Citizens must submit a request through a secure online portal, providing necessary identifying information, including:

        • Full name at birth

        • Date of birth

        • Place of birth

        • Parent(s) names

      • Citizens may also be required to provide a form of identification for verification purposes.

   3. Email Deliver

      • Secure Email Delivery: Once the application is approved and the request is verified, the state shall email a certified copy of the birth certificate to the citizen at the email address provided in the application.

      • Digital Security Measures: The state shall implement necessary security protocols to protect sensitive information and ensure the confidentiality of birth certificate records, including encryption of emailed documents.

   4. Fees and Costs

      1. Fee Structure: The state may establish a reasonable fee for obtaining a birth certificate through the electronic database, which should cover the costs of processing and maintaining the database.

      2. Fee Waivers: Provisions shall be made to allow for fee waivers for low-income individuals or those experiencing financial hardship.

4. Implementation Timeline

   The Electronic Birth Certificate Database shall be fully operational within 18 months of the enactment of this Act. The state shall provide updates to the public regarding the progress of the implementation.

   Oversight and Reporting

   1. Oversight Committee: An oversight committee shall be established to monitor the implementation and operation of the electronic birth certificate database.

   2. Annual Reports: The committee shall provide annual reports to the legislature detailing the effectiveness, usage, and security measures of the database.