WASHINGTON, D.C. – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Joe Gruters released the following statement after the RNC backed America First Legal’s petition to stop non-citizens from voting in federal elections:
“Only American citizens should vote in American elections,” said Chairman Gruters. “For too long, loopholes in our voter registration system have made it possible for non-citizens to register to vote. That’s unacceptable. The RNC is committed to restoring trust in our elections by ensuring that only eligible American citizens can register to vote.”
Background:
- The current Federal Voter Registration Form allows individuals to simply self-attest that they are American citizens without providing proof — potentially allowing non-citizens to register to vote.
- The petition urges the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) to require documentary proof of citizenship (DPOC), such as a U.S. passport, state-issued Real ID, official military ID, or a government-issued photo ID that confirms citizenship when filling out the form.
- Requiring proof of citizenship at registration would strengthen election integrity, uphold federal law banning non-citizen voting, and help restore public confidence in the fairness of U.S. elections.
- This filing is part of the RNC’s ongoing work to safeguard election integrity and stop non-citizen voting, including efforts in New York, Vermont , Ohio, and Wyoming to ensure only eligible voters are on the rolls.
- The RNC’s comment follows President Trump’s Executive Order from earlier this year enforcing the citizenship requirement for Federal Elections, which the RNC has defended in court.
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