Rep. Laurel Lee Introduces Constitutional Amendment to Ensure Only U.S. Citizens Vote in Federal Elections

Washington, D.C. -Today, Congresswoman Laurel Lee introduced a constitutional amendment to establish a clear and permanent requirement that only United States citizens may vote in federal elections. Congresswoman Lee is joined by Representative Lance Gooden (TX-05), Mike Haridopolis (FL-08), Julia Letlow (LA-05), Wesley Hunt (TX-38), and Russell Fry (SC-07).

The joint resolution would codify in the Constitution that only U.S. citizens are eligible to vote in elections for President and Vice President, and Members of Congress-closing a longstanding constitutional gap and ensuring a uniform national standard.

"For generations, Americans have shared a clear and common understanding: voting in federal elections is a right reserved for United States citizens," said Rep. Lee. "While current federal law reflects that consensus, the Constitution itself does not explicitly require citizenship for voting in federal elections. This amendment provides the clarity and permanence needed to ensure that this fundamental principle is protected."

"It's simple: only Americans should vote in American elections," said Chairman Jordan. "Congresswoman Lee's amendment is a common sense proposal that creates a uniform, nationwide standard that will protect federal elections permanently."

"The vast majority of Americans overwhelmingly support proof of citizenship to vote," said Rep. Fry. "Shamefully, far-left Democrats have shown time and time again that they want illegal immigrants to control our elections. Our constitutional amendment is a commonsense measure that protects the integrity of our elections and affirms the obvious truth-only American citizens should vote in American elections, period."

"Only Americans should vote in American elections," said Rep. Letlow. "By enacting a constitutional amendment banning non-citizens from voting, we can secure our elections and give the American people confidence at the ballot box."

"Free and fair elections are the foundation of our democracy, and that begins with a simple principle: only American citizens should decide American elections. Only the Constitution can guarantee that protection long-term," said Rep. Haridopolos. "I am proud to support Congresswoman Laurel Lee's effort to safeguard the integrity of our elections and ensure that the voices of American citizens are protected for generations to come."

"We cannot allow the security of our elections to change with political control in Washington," said Rep. Lance Gooden. "A citizen-only constitutional amendment permanently ensures that only Americans decide the future of America."

"I am proud to join Congresswoman Lee in this important effort to secure our elections and ensure that only U.S. citizens are voting in them," said Rep. Hunt. "As a combat veteran who fought to uphold and defend our Constitution and our Republic, I understand the price that has been paid so that we may live in a free nation. Our nation remains free only when our elections are secure and when our citizens have full faith and confidence in their integrity."

Under current law, federal statute (18 U.S.C. § 611) prohibits non-citizens from voting in federal elections. However, federal law alone is not permanent-it can be repealed, weakened, or challenged, and the Constitution leaves voter qualifications primarily to the states. As a result, the current framework does not guarantee a lasting nationwide standard.

"Relying on statute alone leaves this principle subject to future changes that could undermine this long-standing principle," Lee continued. "This amendment ensures that no matter what happens in Washington or at the state level, federal elections will remain reserved for United States citizens."

The amendment does not alter state authority over state or local elections, nor does it change existing constitutional protections related to voting rights, including those based on race, sex, or age. Instead, it focuses narrowly on federal elections, reinforcing the longstanding expectation that participation in choosing national leaders is reserved for U.S. citizens.

Copy of the bill text here.