Texas Issues New Guidance On Non-Citizen IDs Following Election Integrity Concerns

Amid an uproar over the potential use of non-citizen driver’s licenses as voter identification, Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson has issued new guidance to ensure election integrity. The revision follows an earlier memo that critics, including Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, feared might allow non-citizens to vote.

The earlier guidance had suggested that limited-term driver’s licenses, often issued to non-citizens, could be used for voter identification if the individual was already on the voter rolls. This prompted concerns from state officials and voters about the potential for illegal voting.

In response, Nelson’s revised memo clarified that individuals presenting a non-citizen driver’s license must provide proof of U.S. citizenship before casting a regular ballot. “Election workers must verify citizenship to prevent illegal voting,” Nelson stated in the updated guidance.

The initial memo allowed some flexibility for voters who had non-citizen licenses but might have become naturalized citizens without updating their IDs. However, Nelson’s updated instructions now require these individuals to provide a naturalization certificate or other proof of citizenship. If such proof cannot be provided, the individual will vote provisionally.

The controversy over the original memo highlights the ongoing debate over voter ID laws in Texas. As the state moves toward its next election, the emphasis on election integrity and preventing illegal voting has become a central issue.