Rep. Laurel Lee (R., Fla.) and several House Republicans are introducing a constitutional amendment that would establish a “clear and permanent requirement that only United States citizens may vote in federal elections.”
The Constitution has 27 Amendments. Lee, along with Reps. Jim Jordan (R., Ohio), Mike Haridopolos (R., Fla.), Julia Letlow (R., La.), Russell Fry (R., S.C.), Wesley Hunt (R., Texas), and Lance Gooden (R., Texas) want to add another that will place tighter restrictions on voting laws.
“For generations, Americans have shared a clear and common understanding: voting in federal elections is a right reserved for United States citizens,” Lee said. “While federal law reflects that consensus, the Constitution itself does not explicitly require citizenship for voting in federal elections. This amendment provides the clarity and permanence needed to ensure that this fundamental principle is protected.”
Currently, the federal statute, 18 U.S.C. § 611 prohibits non-citizens from voting in federal elections. Republicans are concerned that federal law alone is not permanent, and that it can be repealed, weakened, or challenged. The Constitution leaves voter qualifications primarily to the states.
“Relying on statute alone leaves the door open for future changes that could undermine this long-standing principle,” Lee said. “This amendment ensures that no matter what happens in Washington or at the state level, federal elections will remain reserved for United States citizens.”
Lee’s amendment does not alter state authority over state or local elections or change existing constitutional protections related to voting rights, including those based on race, sex, or age. It focuses exclusively on federal elections.
“Free and fair elections are the foundation of our democracy, and that begins with a simple principle: only American citizens should decide American elections,” Haridopolos added. “Only the Constitution can guarantee that protection long-term. I am proud to support Congresswoman Laurel Lee’s effort to safeguard the integrity of our elections and ensure that the voices of American citizens are protected for generations to come.”
“It’s simple: only Americans should vote in American elections,” Jordan, the chair of the House Judiciary Committee, said. “Congresswoman Lee’s amendment is a common sense proposal that creates a uniform, nationwide standard that will protect federal elections permanently.”
“Only Americans should vote in American elections,” Letlow said. “By enacting a constitutional amendment banning non-citizens from voting, we can secure our elections and give the American people confidence at the ballot box.”
Gooden explained that he is supporting the legislation because “we cannot allow the security of our elections to change with political control in Washington. A citizen-only constitutional amendment permanently ensures that only Americans decide the future of America.”
Fry added that it is shameful that most elected Democrats will likely oppose this measure.
“The vast majority of Americans overwhelmingly support proof of citizenship to vote,” Fry said. “Shamefully, far-left Democrats have shown time and time again that they want illegal immigrants to control our elections. Our constitutional amendment is a commonsense measure that protects the integrity of our elections and affirms the obvious truth — only American citizens should vote in American elections, period.”
For Hunt, his support for Lee’s legislation stems from his years of military service.
“I am proud to join Congresswoman Lee in this important effort to secure our elections and ensure that only U.S. citizens are voting in them,” he said. “As a combat veteran who fought to uphold and defend our Constitution and our Republic, I understand the price that has been paid so that we may live in a free nation. Our nation remains free only when our elections are secure and when our citizens have full faith and confidence in their integrity.”
