Florida Advances Voter Citizenship Proof Rule With 2027 Start

Florida lawmakers approved HB 991 to require proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration and strip student IDs from eligibility, sending the bill to Gov. DeSantis for signing. The measure, which would take effect in January 2027, would require applicants to present documents such as REAL ID licenses, birth certificates, passports, naturalization certificates, or other DHS-issued proof of citizenship. Supporters say it boosts election integrity; critics warn it could disenfranchise eligible citizens and cited potential impact gaps, noting past noncitizen-on-roll incidents and ongoing debates about how many voters would be affected.