There is a new attempt to require burdensome documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections. We need your help to stop it.

The EAC is considering a petition asking it to initiate a process that would add documentary proof of citizenship to the federal voter registration form. This proposal would force Americans to show specific, costly, hard-to-access documents like passports before registering to vote. An estimated 21 million Americans could be shut out from the ballot box.

Requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections creates unnecessary barriers for many eligible voters. Asking citizens to provide additional documentation is an obstacle that could disproportionately affect vulnerable groups including:

• Military families who are often relocated
• People who have lost essential documents due to natural disasters or personal hardships
• Women who’ve changed their name due to marriage
• Rural voters who may have to travel long distances to obtain required documents

This proposal isn’t about election reform – it’s about restricting the vote. We must ensure that all eligible Americans, regardless of their circumstances, have the opportunity to make their voices heard in our democracy. Voting is a fundamental right. We must work to make it as accessible as possible.