The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) is weighing a new rule that would make it harder for U.S. citizens to register and vote — but we can still stop it.
This independent, bipartisan agency, created to help states run fair elections, is considering a proposal to require voters to show a passport or other proof of U.S. citizenship to register. If adopted, it would block millions of eligible Americans, including those voting from abroad, from participating in our democracy.
For Americans voting from abroad, this rule could be especially harmful. Many of us already face unique challenges registering and voting abroad, from long mailing times to restrictive state deadlines. Adding a passport or citizenship document requirement could block thousands of eligible overseas voters from registering, especially students, dual citizens, and those whose documentation is not immediately accessible.
States already verify citizenship through effective, existing processes before adding voters to the rolls. This new rule would shut down registration drives, block mail and online registrations, and silence eligible voters.
➡️ Submit Your Comment Now (the link is blocked from certain countries, but available via VPNs including Opera)
Our voices count - make sure the EAC hears them.
If this proposal sounds familiar, it’s because we’ve seen it before: both President Trump and his allies in Congress tried to impose similar restrictions through the so-called SAVE Act and an Executive Order that were both blocked. Now, anti-voter activists are trying to circumvent Congress and the courts by pressuring the EAC to implement the same policy.
Take Action Now: Submit a Public Comment to the EAC by Oct. 20
We can stop this. The EAC is legally required to consider public input, and right now, its site is being flooded with misleading comments from anti-voter groups. Your comment can help counter their campaign of disinformation.
How to Submit Your Comment
- Go to the EAC’s public comment page: Submit Your Comment Here
- Identify yourself as an American voter concerned about access to free and fair elections.
- Use your own words — but feel free to draw inspiration from the sample comment below.
- Comments must be submitted by October 20th.
Sample Comments
I strongly oppose any proposal requiring voters to show a passport or other proof of citizenship when registering to vote.
As an American voter living abroad, my identity and eligibility to vote is checked & confirmed by my state when I register and request a ballot thanks to the rigorous (and logistically challenging) process we already go through. This proposed rule would make the process even harder and could disenfranchise me and thousands of other eligible overseas voters.
I urge the EAC to reject this policy and protect every eligible American’s right to register and vote, including those of us studying, serving our country, or working abroad.
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Millions of eligible U.S. citizens living overseas rely on voter registration processes designed to verify citizenship through sworn statements under penalty of perjury. Imposing a documentary proof requirement would unfairly exclude these voters, making it nearly impossible for many to register or receive their ballots. The rule would not improve election security—it would only silence legitimate voters.
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There is no evidence that noncitizens are registering or voting in federal elections, but there is overwhelming evidence that requiring documentary proof of citizenship blocks thousands of eligible Americans from voting. This proposal would solve a non-existent problem at the expense of Americans’ constitutional right to vote.
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As an U.S. voter living abroad, I’m deeply concerned that requiring documentary proof of citizenship would silence eligible voters and burden election officials. Election offices are already stretched thin. Forcing them to collect and verify millions of citizenship records would create delays, errors, and confusion without improving election security. Every eligible American deserves a fair and accessible path to the ballot—this rule would move us in the opposite direction.
📢 Spread the Word
Share this post on social media and encourage others to comment. Let’s flood the EAC with messages defending our freedom to vote.
Sample Post:
The Election Assistance Commission is considering a proof-of-citizenship rule that would block millions of eligible voters, including Americans voting from abroad. Push back - submit your comment today! #ProtectTheVote #DefendDemocracy