Paxton-led GOP Push for Citizenship Proof on Federal Form

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is leading a 14-state coalition of attorneys general, backed publicly by Republican lawmakers including Sen. Ted Cruz and Rep. Eli Crane, urging the U.S. Election Assistance Commission to require documentary proof of U.S. citizenship on the federal National Mail Voter Registration Form. They support a petition filed earlier this year by America First Legal — founded by former Trump adviser Stephen Miller — asking the EAC to amend National Voter Registration Act regulations to accept documents such as birth certificates or passports. Supporters say the change would reduce illegal registrations and administrative burdens, pointing to Texas’ identification of roughly 2,700 registered voters who are not U.S. citizens, and would strengthen public confidence in elections. They also cite President Trump’s Executive Order 14248 as part of the impetus for the proposal. Critics warn that requiring documentary proof could disenfranchise eligible voters and disproportionately affect marginalized communities while the EAC reviews the petition and related filings.