New Voting Laws Take Effect in GOP-Controlled States, Echoing Trump's Proposals

Voters in more than 20 states are encountering new laws affecting how they register and cast ballots, with many of these changes originating in Republican-controlled states and reflecting proposals previously advocated by former President Donald Trump. These new regulations are taking effect for the first time this year, impacting aspects such as acceptable identification for registration and proof of citizenship requirements.

Trump had previously pushed for federal legislation including a proof-of-citizenship law and a national voter ID requirement, and attempted to restrict mail voting through changes at the U.S. Postal Service. These federal efforts did not materialize in time for the midterm elections. However, similar measures have been enacted at the state level.

Among the new state-level changes, students in New Hampshire can no longer use student IDs to vote, and Utah voters must provide additional information on envelopes for mail ballots. Some Mississippi voters may need to present birth certificates or passports to verify their identity. In Ohio, a proof-of-citizenship requirement is now in effect for those registering or updating their information at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, and the state has eliminated its grace period for mail ballots, which must now be received by Election Day.

Supporters of these tighter voting laws, particularly concerning voter ID, argue they are common-sense measures designed to enhance trust in election integrity. These efforts gained momentum following Trump's unsubstantiated claims of widespread fraud in the 2020 election, claims that have been refuted by numerous court challenges, his own attorney general, and various reviews, audits, and recounts.

Voting rights advocates express concerns that these new laws could make it harder for eligible citizens to vote. The ACLU has filed lawsuits challenging some of these measures, citing potential disenfranchisement. For instance, a new law in South Dakota requires first-time registrants to present specific forms of ID in person, which critics argue could be an obstacle in a geographically dispersed state.

Some Democrats have indicated openness to voter ID laws, provided they are not based on unsubstantiated claims. However, the implementation and potential impact on voter access remain subjects of debate. The Brennan Center for Justice identified nearly 40 laws across 21 states that could make it more difficult for eligible voters to register, remain on voter rolls, or cast their ballots, with many of these laws targeting specific groups of voters.

While some states are strengthening identity verification, others are focusing on voter roll maintenance. Ohio's Republican state Senator Theresa Gavarone, a proponent of a bill requiring proof of citizenship, stated that hundreds of noncitizens have been removed from the state's voter rolls in recent years, arguing that votes cast by noncitizens disenfranchise lawful voters. Conversely, opponents, like Ohio resident Dan Walter, view the proof of citizenship requirement as an effort to suppress votes, and his wife, Jody, noted that a driver's license, which is currently accepted for registration in Ohio, does not prove citizenship.

Genia Fortune, an independent voter in Ohio, holds a different perspective, believing Trump's claims about the 2020 election warranting stricter measures, and stating, "I just feel like you need to be a citizen and show proof of ID."