The U.S. House of Representatives is poised to vote on a proof-of-citizenship requirement for voter registration. It's a proposal Republicans have prioritized as an election-year talking point even as research shows noncitizens illegally registering and casting ballots in federal elections is exceptionally rare. Even if it passes the GOP-controlled House, the legislation is unlikely to advance through the Democratic-led Senate. Democrats and voting rights advocates have said the legislation is unnecessary because it’s already a felony for noncitizens to register to vote in federal elections, punishable by fines, prison or deportation.
