Attorney General Alan Wilson backs rule requiring proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections

(COLUMBIA, S.C.) – South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson has joined a 14-state coalition urging the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) to require documentary proof of U.S. citizenship for anyone registering to vote in federal elections. The coalition of attorneys general submitted formal comments supporting the America First Legal Foundation’s petition to strengthen federal voter registration rules.

“Our elections must reflect the will of the American people and that starts with making sure that only Americans are voting,” said Attorney General Wilson. “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 Republican coalition’s letter explains that the current federal voter registration system relies solely on applicants’ self-disclosure of citizenship without any proof, leaving voter rolls vulnerable to fraud and error. The attorneys general argue that this framework ties the hands of state election officials and prevents them from ensuring that only eligible U.S. citizens can register and vote. Emphasizing that requiring documents to prove citizenship would close these loopholes, enhance the accuracy of voter rolls, and align federal policy with President Trump’s Executive Orders. The attorneys general also note that the EAC has clear statutory authority to adopt such a rule and that doing so is both lawful and necessary to protect the integrity of future elections.

South Carolina is joined by attorneys general from Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, Texas, and West Virginia.

You can read the letter here.