Utah legislators are considering HB209, which would require proof of U.S. citizenship before a person may register to vote. Supporters describe this as necessary for election integrity, but in practice it creates serious problems, addresses a problem that barely exists and adds to the already distressing political polarization that is so damaging to our democracy.
Many lawful citizens do not have easy access to such documentation. In my own case, obtaining a copy of my California birth certificate will take weeks, extensive paperwork and considerable expense. For many seniors, low-income residents and people born out of state, this requirement would make voting unconscionably difficult.
HB209 would also place an unnecessary burden on election clerks, who would be required to process and verify additional documents for every registration, adding time, expense and complexity to an already demanding job.
Similar laws have failed elsewhere. In Kansas, a proof-of-citizenship requirement was struck down by federal courts as unconstitutional and in violation of federal election law. Enacting HB209 risks subjecting Utah to years of costly litigation, paid for by taxpayers, with little likelihood of success.
Moreover, studies show that non-citizens rarely attempt to vote. Doing so would expose them to legal scrutiny and serious consequences, giving them strong incentives to avoid the process altogether.
Utah already has effective safeguards in place, and documented cases of non-citizen voting are extremely rare. Rather than pursuing divisive legislation and inviting expensive lawsuits, the Legislature should focus on real challenges facing our state — water, growth, land use, energy and the economy.
Let’s stop making much ado about nothing.
David Farnsworth
Lindon