Laurel Highlands Today

Rep. Ryan Warner of Fayette has introduced a bill in Pennsylvania that would require proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration. Warner emphasized the importance of protecting election integrity, stating, "Free and fair elections are the backbone of our republic, and it is paramount we do all we can to protect our elections and secure the integrity of our election administration."

Currently, both federal law and the Pennsylvania Constitution prohibit non-citizens from voting. However, Warner argues that not requiring tangible proof of citizenship at registration leaves a loophole open for potential illegal registrations. This issue was addressed at the federal level with the approval of the SAVE Act (H.R. 8281) by the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this year, which also mandates proof of citizenship for voter registration.

Warner expressed concerns about automatic voter registration programs in many states, including Pennsylvania. These programs automatically initiate voter registration when residents obtain driver's licenses or non-driver identification unless they opt out. With efforts underway to provide driver's licenses to undocumented residents in Pennsylvania, Warner voiced worries about preventing these individuals from being automatically registered to vote.

He cited recent incidents in other states as evidence for his concerns. Oregon found over 1,200 possible non-citizens registered through its Department of Motor Vehicles' automatic enrollment program. Similarly, Arizona faced issues with a software oversight affecting up to 100,000 voters' citizenship status.

"I, too, want to see every single eligible Pennsylvanian registered to vote and casting ballots in every election," Warner said. "But we must be thorough in protecting the rights of legal voters and the legitimacy of the ballots they cast."

The bill has been referred to the House State Government Committee for consideration.