South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson has joined a coalition of 14 states calling on the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) to require proof of U.S. citizenship for anyone registering to vote in federal elections. The coalition submitted formal comments in support of a petition from the America First Legal Foundation, which seeks to strengthen federal voter registration requirements.
Attorney General Wilson stated, “Our elections must reflect the will of the American people and that starts with making sure that only Americans are voting. This isn’t partisan, it’s patriotic. Voting is one of the most sacred rights of American citizenship. Every time a non-citizen votes, it cancels out the voice of a legitimate voter. South Carolina has worked hard to safeguard our elections, and it’s time the federal government follows suit. Requiring proof of citizenship is just common sense; it protects our democracy and restores public trust.”
The coalition’s letter argues that the current federal voter registration system depends solely on applicants’ self-attestation of citizenship, without requiring documentation. According to the attorneys general, this approach limits state officials’ ability to ensure that only eligible U.S. citizens are able to register and vote in federal elections. They assert that requiring documentary proof would close existing loopholes, improve the accuracy of voter rolls, and bring federal policy in line with executive orders issued by former President Trump. The attorneys general also maintain that the EAC has legal authority to implement such a rule.
The states joining South Carolina in this initiative include Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, Texas, and West Virginia.
