1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

I oppose the proposal by America First Legal (AFL) that would require documentary proof of citizenship on the federal voter registration form. This misguided effort, currently under consideration by the U.S. Election Administration Commission (EAC), threatens to disenfranchise countless eligible voters while addressing a virtually non-existent problem. The facts are clear: voter fraud, particularly by non-citizens, is extremely rare. Even the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, has only identified 98 cases of voter fraud since 1982. Furthermore, the commission established by former President Trump during his first term failed to find any significant cases of voter fraud. Each state already has robust safeguards in place to ensure only eligible voters participate in our elections. The proposed requirement for specific forms of identification such as a U.S. Passport, Real ID-compliant driver's license, or other federal or state government-issued photo ID showing citizenship would create unnecessary barriers to voting. This is particularly concerning for voters with physical disabilities who may face challenges in obtaining such documentation. Instead, I urge you to champion the John Lewis Voting Rights Act. This crucial legislation would strengthen our democracy by protecting voting rights and ensuring equal access to the ballot for all eligible citizens. With the 2026 elections approaching, it is imperative that we prioritize expanding voter access rather than restricting it. Please focus on enhancing voter engagement rather than erecting unnecessary barriers that undermine the fundamental right to vote.