Cruz’s legislation was prompted by a Supreme Court ruling, Arizona v. Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc., where it decided that the National Voter Registration Act pre-empted Arizona’s requirement that a person present proof of citizenship before they are allowed to register to vote.
{mosads}Cruz said the court decision “undermines” fair elections and “encourages voter fraud” by allowing noncitizens to register without showing proof of citizenship.
Democrats argue that there isn’t proof illegal immigrants are trying to commit voter fraud.
Republican Sens. David Vitter (La.), Mike Lee (Utah), John Cornyn (Texas), Tom Coburn (Okla.), Thad Cochran (Miss.), Mike Crapo (Idaho), Jeff Sessions (Ala.), Ron Johnson (Wis.) and Jim Risch (Idaho) are cosponsoring the bill, S. 1336.
Cruz said he tried to add the bill’s language to the immigration reform legislation passed last month, but he was unable to get a vote on the amendment.