Texas Governor Greg Abbott Advocates for Ban on Non-Citizen Voting

Key Takeaways

• SJR 37 aims to ban non-citizen voting in all Texas elections, pending November 2025 voter approval.
• Data shows only 581 confirmed non-citizen voter removals in Texas over three years.
• SB 16 proposes citizenship proof for registration, creating full and federal-only voter categories.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s Push for a State Ban on Non-Citizen Voting: An Analytical Review

Purpose and Scope

This analysis examines Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s recent efforts to ban non-citizen voting in Texas elections, focusing on the signing of Senate Joint Resolution 37 (SJR 37) and related legislative actions. The review explores the policy’s background, legislative process, statistical context, verification procedures, and the broader debate over non-citizen voting. It also considers implementation challenges, national trends, and the possible effects on voters, election officials, and the integrity of Texas’s electoral system.

Methodology

The analysis draws on official statements, legislative records, investigative journalism, and data from the Texas Secretary of State. It reviews the text and legislative history of SJR 37, related bills such as Senate Bill 16 (SB 16), and public statements from Texas Governor Greg Abbott and other stakeholders. Statistical data on voter roll maintenance and non-citizen voting are included, with visual descriptions to help readers understand key trends. The review also compares Texas’s approach to those of other states and highlights evidence-based conclusions, while noting limitations in available data and the ongoing nature of the policy debate.

Key Findings

• Senate Joint Resolution 37 (SJR 37) aims to amend the Texas Constitution to explicitly ban non-citizen voting in all Texas elections.
• The measure passed both chambers of the Texas Legislature with bipartisan support and awaits voter approval in November 2025.
• Statistical evidence shows non-citizen voting is extremely rare in Texas, with only 581 confirmed removals for non-citizenship over three years.
• Related legislation, such as SB 16, would require proof of citizenship for voter registration, creating a two-tier system for federal and state/local elections.
• Supporters argue these measures protect election integrity, while critics say they address a negligible problem and risk disenfranchising eligible voters.
• Implementation poses logistical challenges for election officials, especially with tight timelines and new documentation requirements.
• The Texas initiative reflects a broader national trend, with several states moving to restrict non-citizen voting and others expanding local voting rights.

Data Presentation and Visual Descriptions

To help readers understand the scope and impact of these developments, the following sections present key data and trends using clear, descriptive language.

Legislative Process and Political Context

Senate Joint Resolution 37 (SJR 37):

• Introduced: January 2025 by Republican State Senator Brian Birdwell.
• Signed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott: May 26, 2025.
• Legislative Votes:
  • Senate: 28-3 in favor (8 Democrats joined all Republicans).
  • House: 102-14 in favor (15 Democrats joined 87 Republicans).
• Next Step: Texas voters will decide on the amendment in the November 2025 election.

Visual Description:
Imagine a timeline showing the introduction of SJR 37 in January, its passage through the Senate and House in the spring, and Governor Abbott’s signing in late May. The timeline ends with a marker for the November 2025 public vote, highlighting the amendment’s journey from proposal to potential ratification.

Current Texas Constitution Voting Restrictions:

• Under 18 years old
• Deemed mentally incompetent by a court
• Convicted felons

Proposed Addition:
Explicitly bans non-citizens from voting in any Texas election (local, state, or federal).

Related Legislation: Proof of Citizenship Requirements

Senate Bill 16 (SB 16):

• Purpose: Requires proof of citizenship for voter registration.
• System: Creates two types of voters:
  • Full voters: Provided proof of citizenship, can vote in all elections.
  • Federal-only voters: Did not provide proof, can vote only in federal races.
• Status: Passed Texas Senate along party lines in April 2025; House version (HB 5337) has 50 Republican co-sponsors.

Comparison to Arizona:
Arizona passed a similar law, but federal courts blocked its application to presidential elections. Texas’s approach closely follows Arizona’s, raising questions about future legal challenges.

Visual Description:
Picture a flowchart with two branches: one for applicants who provide citizenship documents (leading to full voting rights) and another for those who do not (leading to federal-only voting status).

Statistical Context: How Common Is Non-Citizen Voting?

Official Data from Texas Secretary of State:

• 2024: 63 voter registrations canceled for non-citizenship; 124 canceled for not responding to citizenship proof requests.
• 2019–2024: Only 581 confirmed non-citizens removed from voter rolls (according to an investigation by Votebeat, Texas Tribune, and ProPublica).
• Governor Abbott’s Claim: 6,500 non-citizens removed before 2024.
• Investigative Finding: The 6,500 figure was inflated; most were removed for not responding to notices, not for confirmed non-citizenship. At least 10 U.S. citizens were wrongly flagged as non-citizens.

Visual Description:
Imagine a bar graph with two bars: one tall bar labeled “Governor Abbott’s claim (6,500)” and a much shorter bar labeled “Confirmed non-citizens (581).” The gap between the bars shows the difference between official claims and verified data.

Verification Procedures and Challenges

How Texas Checks Voter Citizenship:

• Data Matching: Texas Secretary of State compares voter rolls with Texas Department of Public Safety records.
• Jury Duty Records: Receives information from courts about people excused from jury duty for being non-citizens.
• County Review: Potential non-citizens are flagged, and county voter registrars investigate.
• Removal: If a person is found ineligible or does not respond to a notice, they are removed from the rolls.

Legal Disputes:
In October 2024, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued the Biden-Harris administration, claiming the federal government refused to verify the citizenship status of about 450,000 Texas voters who registered without a Texas-issued driver’s license or ID card.

Visual Description:
Picture a step-by-step diagram:
1. State matches data
2. Flags potential non-citizens
3. Counties investigate
4. Non-responders or confirmed non-citizens are removed

Arguments: Supporters vs. Critics

Supporters’ Arguments:

• Election Integrity: Only eligible citizens should vote; this prevents fraud.
• Closing Loopholes: Federal law bans non-citizen voting in federal elections, but state action is needed to prevent local exceptions.
• Clarity: The amendment makes eligibility rules clear in the Texas Constitution.

Critics’ Arguments:

• Rare Problem: Non-citizen voting is extremely rare; the policy targets a negligible issue.
• Barriers for Eligible Voters: Proof-of-citizenship rules could block eligible voters, especially those lacking documents or who recently changed names.
• Administrative Burden: New requirements add work for election officials, who may already be under-resourced.
• Voter Confusion: Changes could confuse voters, leading to more provisional ballots and possible disenfranchisement.

Implementation Concerns

Election Officials’ Warnings:

• Timeline: Not enough time to educate voters before the March 2026 primary.
• Legal Risks: SB 16 could make local officials criminally liable if they fail to check citizenship status continuously.
• Past Problems: Arizona’s experience shows that errors in tracking citizenship can cause inconsistent enforcement and mistakes.

Visual Description:
Imagine a checklist with red warning marks next to items like “Voter education,” “Legal risks for officials,” and “Consistency in enforcement.”

National Trends and Comparisons

Broader Context:

• 2024: Voters in eight states approved citizen-only voting laws or amendments.
• 2026: Arkansas, Kansas, and South Dakota will vote on similar measures.
• Other States: Some Democratic-led areas (California, New York, Vermont) allow non-citizen voting in certain local elections.

Visual Description:
Picture a map of the United States 🇺🇸 with states colored to show where citizen-only voting laws have passed, are pending, or where non-citizen voting is allowed locally.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, Texas’s push fits a pattern of Republican-led states tightening voting rules, while some Democratic-led cities and states expand local voting rights for non-citizens.

Evidence-Based Conclusions

• Non-citizen voting is extremely rare in Texas, based on official removals and investigative reporting.
• SJR 37 and related bills would make Texas’s voting eligibility rules stricter and clearer, but may also create new barriers for eligible voters.
• Implementation will be challenging, especially with short timelines and the risk of errors affecting eligible voters.
• Texas’s actions are part of a national trend, with states moving in different directions on non-citizen voting.

Limitations

• Data Gaps: Official data on non-citizen voting is limited and may not capture all cases, but available evidence suggests the problem is very small.
• Ongoing Legal Challenges: Federal court decisions could affect the implementation of proof-of-citizenship laws.
• Changing Political Landscape: Future elections and legislative sessions could alter the direction of voting rights policy in Texas and other states.

Practical Guidance and Next Steps

For Texas Voters:

• Stay Informed: The proposed constitutional amendment will be on the November 2025 ballot. Review the language and implications before voting.
• Check Registration: Make sure your voter registration is up to date and that you have the necessary documentation if new proof-of-citizenship rules take effect.
• Ask Questions: If you’re unsure about your eligibility or what documents you need, contact your county voter registrar or visit the Texas Secretary of State’s Elections Division for official information.

For Election Officials:

• Prepare for Changes: Begin planning for voter education campaigns and staff training if the amendment and related laws are approved.
• Review Procedures: Update registration and verification processes to comply with new requirements and minimize errors.

For Policymakers and Advocates:

• Monitor Implementation: Track how new rules affect voter participation and administrative workload.
• Address Barriers: Work to ensure that eligible voters are not wrongly excluded due to documentation issues or administrative mistakes.

Summary Table: Key Points at a Glance

Final Thoughts

Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s push for a state ban on non-citizen voting through Senate Joint Resolution 37 and related legislation represents a significant development in the ongoing debate over election integrity and voting rights. While supporters argue these measures are needed to protect the electoral process, critics warn of potential harm to eligible voters and question the necessity given the rarity of non-citizen voting. The outcome of the November 2025 ballot and the implementation of new laws will shape the future of voting in Texas and may influence similar efforts across the United States 🇺🇸.

For more detailed information on Texas voting laws and updates on these measures, visit the Texas Secretary of State’s Elections Division.

As the debate continues, it remains essential for voters, officials, and policymakers to stay informed, consider the evidence, and work to ensure fair and secure elections for all eligible citizens.

Learn Today

Senate Joint Resolution 37 (SJR 37) → A legislative proposal to amend Texas Constitution banning non-citizen voting statewide.
Senate Bill 16 (SB 16) → A bill requiring proof of citizenship to register, creating two classes of voters.
Voter Roll Maintenance → The process of updating voter lists by removing ineligible or inactive registrants.
Proof of Citizenship → Documents required to verify a voter’s status as a U.S. citizen for registration.
Non-Citizen Voting → Casting votes in elections by individuals who are not legally U.S. citizens.

This Article in a Nutshell

Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed SJR 37 to ban non-citizen voting statewide. Despite rare cases, new laws impose proof-of-citizenship rules, reflecting a national trend amid debates on election integrity and voter access challenges.
— By VisaVerge.com