A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to ensure that only citizens are eligible to vote in Federal elections.
- Sponsor
- Sen. Schmitt, Eric [R-MO]
- Committees
- Judiciary Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Aug 7, 2026
Bottom line
This joint resolution seeks to amend the U.S. Constitution to codify that only U.S. citizens are eligible to vote in federal elections, a measure that would require ratification by three-fourths of the states.
What it actually does
This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to explicitly limit voting in any primary or other election for President, Vice President, presidential electors, or for Senator or Representative in Congress to only citizens of the United States. It also grants state legislatures the primary authority to enforce this article, while reserving the power for Congress to make or alter such regulations and enforce it in the District of Columbia.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this amendment would safeguard the integrity of federal elections by ensuring that only those with full allegiance to the United States participate in choosing its leadership. They contend it clarifies existing expectations and prevents potential future attempts to allow non-citizens to vote, asserting that voting is a fundamental right and responsibility of citizenship.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that this amendment is unnecessary given that federal law already largely restricts voting to citizens, and that it could be seen as a political maneuver rather than addressing a widespread problem. Some may also argue it could disenfranchise certain long-term residents who contribute to society but lack citizenship, or that it could be interpreted to affect local elections where non-citizen voting is sometimes permitted.
The bill text is extremely short and straightforward, making it highly accessible for any reader to understand its direct proposal.
Article --, Section 1
Federal Election Voting Limited to Citizens
This section explicitly states that only citizens of the United States are eligible to vote in any primary or general election for President, Vice President, presidential electors, or for members of the Senate or House of Representatives. This would constitutionally enshrine the requirement of U.S. citizenship for participation in federal elections, making it a fundamental principle of the nation's electoral system.
Supporters argue
Proponents argue that voting is a privilege and responsibility reserved exclusively for citizens, essential for national sovereignty and the integrity of the democratic process. They believe this amendment would prevent any future legal challenges or legislative efforts to expand federal voting rights to non-citizens, thereby securing the foundational principle of citizen-only elections.
Critics contend
Opponents contend that while federal elections are largely restricted to citizens, this amendment is largely symbolic and potentially divisive. They might argue it could be misconstrued to impact local elections where non-citizen voting is sometimes permitted, or that it unnecessarily targets a non-existent widespread problem, potentially alienating long-term residents.
Tradeoffs
The tension lies between the principle of national sovereignty and the exclusive rights of citizenship versus arguments for broader inclusion in democratic processes for residents who contribute to society but are not citizens, and the potential for misinterpretation regarding local elections.
Article --, Section 2
Enforcement Authority for Citizen Voting
This section grants state legislatures the primary authority to prescribe appropriate legislation to enforce the citizen-only voting requirement established in Section 1. However, it also reserves the power for Congress to at any time make or alter such state regulations, and explicitly grants Congress enforcement power for the District of Columbia. This creates a shared, but federally-supreme, enforcement framework.