Story perspectives

New Voting Measures Could Disenfranchise Millions Ahead of Elections

3/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

Republicans are advancing proof-of-citizenship voting measures in South Dakota and Utah, potentially narrowing eligibility ahead of the November elections.
The measures would create a two-tier voting system that allows only documented citizens to vote.
In Michigan, a petition for a constitutional amendment has drawn 750,000 signatures.
Florida's legislation seeks to verify citizenship through drivers' license databases.
Critics say the measures could disenfranchise 21 million eligible citizens lacking documentation.

History

Historical Context

The Voting Rights Act of 1965, signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson on August 6, aimed to eliminate racial discrimination in voting, particularly in the South. It prohibited literacy tests and established federal oversight of voter registration. Despite its success in increasing African American voter registration, recent measures in states like South Dakota and Utah threaten to disenfranchise millions, highlighting ongoing struggles for voting rights in the U.S.

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Story summary

Republicans are advancing proof-of-citizenship voting measures in South Dakota and Utah, potentially narrowing eligibility ahead of the November elections.
The measures would create a two-tier voting system that allows only documented citizens to vote.
In Michigan, a petition for a constitutional amendment has drawn 750,000 signatures.
Florida's legislation seeks to verify citizenship through drivers' license databases.
Critics say the measures could disenfranchise 21 million eligible citizens lacking documentation.

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