Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB3712

Introduced
1/31/24  

Caption

A bill to amend the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to treat United States Citizenship and Immigration Services field offices as voter registration agencies, and for other purposes.

Impact

If enacted, SB3712 could significantly alter how voter registration is conducted for new citizens in the U.S. State and local governments are required to implement joint procedures with the Secretary of Homeland Security to enable streamlined registration through USCIS offices. This could potentially increase voter turnout among newly naturalized Americans by simplifying the registration process and reducing barriers that might impede their participation in democratic processes.

Summary

SB3712 proposes amendments to the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, focused on enhancing voter registration accessibility for newly naturalized citizens. The bill recognizes United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) field offices as official voter registration agencies, thereby allowing these offices to facilitate voter registration directly for individuals completing the naturalization process. By doing so, the bill intends to streamline the voter registration process and increase participation in elections among new citizens.

Contention

Some points of contention around SB3712 may arise from concerns regarding the potential administrative burden on USCIS and state governments in implementing the new procedures. Additionally, critics may argue that centralizing voter registration through immigration offices raises questions about privacy and the handling of personal data. There is also a broader debate regarding the implications of increasing access to voting and ensuring election integrity, which may polarize opinions on the bill's effectiveness and necessity.

Companion Bills

US HB7179

Same As To amend the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to treat United States Citizenship and Immigration Services field offices as voter registration agencies, and for other purposes.

Previously Filed As

US HB7179

To amend the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to treat United States Citizenship and Immigration Services field offices as voter registration agencies, and for other purposes.

US HB4318

To amend the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to eliminate reliance on the change of address information provided by the United States Postal Service for the purpose of removing ineligible voters from the official list of voters in a State, and for other purposes.

US HB6061

To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to waive certain naturalization requirements for United States nationals, and for other purposes.

US HB2629

Filer Voter Act Tax Filer Voter Registration Act

US HB3172

To amend section 287 of the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to certain uniform requirements for United States immigration officers.

US HB8623

PROVE Act Pre-Registration Of Voters Everywhere Act

US SB4461

PROVE Act Pre-Registration Of Voters Everywhere Act

US HB959

To repeal the provisions of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 other than the provisions requiring States to conduct a general program that makes a reasonable effort to remove the names of ineligible voters from the official lists of eligible voters in the State and the provisions imposing criminal penalties for fraudulent voter registration or voting activities.

US HB239

Same Day Registration Act of 2023 This bill requires states with a voter registration requirement to make same-day voter registration available at the polling place on any day voting is permitted.

US HB4317

To amend the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to require States to submit a report to the Election Assistance Commission that includes information with respect to the voter list maintenance activities of the State, and for other purposes.

Similar Bills

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IL HB5887

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CA AB787

Pupil instruction: digital citizenship and media literacy: survey.

UT SCR006

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CA AJR5

Birthright citizenship.

AZ HB2038

Voter registration; citizenship proof

CA SB203

Pupil instruction: digital citizenship and media literacy.

TX HB5337

Relating to requiring a person to submit proof of citizenship to register to vote; creating criminal offenses.