Florida's Republican-controlled legislature passed a bill requiring voters to provide proof of citizenship before registering, joining a growing number of states pursuing similar voting restrictions. The legislation mirrors key provisions of former President Trump's SAVE America Act, which he has been pressuring Congress to pass at the federal level.
The move comes as Trump and Republican allies have made election integrity a central political issue, arguing that additional verification measures are necessary to prevent non-citizen voting. Florida's bill would require documentary proof of citizenship during voter registration, potentially affecting how new voters can participate in future elections.
While specific implementation details remain unclear, similar legislation in other states has typically required documents such as birth certificates or passports. The bill's passage follows a pattern of Republican-led states advancing voting restrictions since the 2020 election, with at least several other states considering comparable measures.
The legislation now awaits further legislative steps before potentially becoming law. Civil rights groups and Democrats typically oppose such measures, arguing they create barriers to legitimate voting. The bill's ultimate impact will depend on its final form and implementation guidelines once signed into law.