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Republican‑led states push Trump‑backed voting rules as federal bill stalls

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Republican states fast‑track citizenship‑proof voting bills – Utah and South Dakota have passed legislation requiring proof of citizenship for state and local elections, now awaiting governors’ signatures; Florida’s Senate is debating a similar bill with a House companion already passed, and final action expected Thursday [1].

Democratic‑controlled states counter with ballot initiatives – In California, proponents have gathered more than 1.3 million signatures—well above the 875,000 needed—to place a voter‑ID and citizenship‑verification measure on the November ballot, potentially affecting the state’s 23 million voters [1].

SAVE America Act stalls in the Senate after House approval – The federal proposal that would require citizenship documents at registration and ID at the polls cleared the House last month but is blocked in the Senate by a Democratic filibuster, leaving Republicans without enough votes to overcome it [2][3].

President Trump says he will not sign any bill without new voting rules – Trump announced he will refuse to sign legislation until Congress enacts stricter voting measures, adding demands such as ending no‑excuse mail‑in voting and banning transgender athletes, and claimed the restrictions will “guarantee the midterms” [1].

Florida bill could purge voters lacking citizenship proof, opponents warn – The measure would verify voters using motor‑vehicle records; those unable to provide proof could be removed from rolls, a process critics say would burden seniors, disabled voters and Black residents born without birth certificates [1].

Polls show strong public support for ID and citizenship checks – Pew’s 2025 survey found 83 % of Americans back requiring government‑issued ID, a Gallup 2024 poll showed similar support for proof of citizenship, while a 2024 Brennan Center‑backed survey indicated 9 % of eligible voters would struggle to obtain required documents and 2 % lack access altogether [8][9][10].

  • Jenna Persons‑Mulicka, Republican state Rep. and sponsor of the Florida House bill: “While the important debate over the SAVE America Act happens on the national stage, we can and must continue to lead in Florida as the gold standard in election integrity.”
  • Brad Ashwell, Florida director of All Voting is Local: “Tens of thousands, if not more, US citizens who are seniors who are already registered will be removed or have to provide additional documentation to provide their citizenship.”
  • Ashley Gantt, Democratic state Rep. from Miami area: Described the new Florida requirements as “effectively another poll tax.”
  • Julia Gomez, senior staff attorney at the ACLU of Southern California: “You are just opening up more opportunities for a ballot to not be counted.”
  • President Donald Trump: Stated at a Doral, Florida golf‑club retreat, “It’ll guarantee the midterms…If you don’t get it, big trouble, my opinion.”

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