TALLAHASSEE — Florida legislators have approved a measure requiring voters to show proof of U.S. citizenship in upcoming elections, a move supporters say bolsters election integrity, but critics warn could sideline thousands of eligible voters.
The bill cleared the state Senate on Wednesday with a 27-12 vote and the House with a 77-28 tally, largely along party lines. The Bill was sponsored by Republican Sen. Erin Grall of Vero Beach and Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka of Fort Myers. It will now head to Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is expected to sign it given his vocal backing of tighter election security.
Under the new law, voters would need to present documents such as a Real ID-compliant driver’s license, passport, or birth certificate to cast ballots starting in 2028. That’s when the measure takes effect, according to the House version that prevailed. Officials say nearly all Florida drivers — about 20 million people, or 99.5% — already have compliant IDs, reducing disruption for most.
But opponents, including Democrats and civil rights groups, argue it creates unnecessary hurdles. They dub it the “Show Me Your Papers Act,” saying it could hit hardest at low-income residents, the elderly, students, rural voters and those who’ve changed names after marriage or divorce. The American Civil Liberties Union of Florida pointed to a similar Kansas law that blocked 31,000 registrations before courts struck it down.
“Voting is fundamental. No Floridian, whether a lifelong resident or a student away from home, should be prevented from voting because they cannot afford to obtain the documents this piece of regulation requires to prove their eligibility,” said Sen. Tracie Davis, a Jacksonville Democrat, during floor debate.
Grall countered that the delayed rollout to January 2027 gives ample time for compliance, and the state would expand verification through motor vehicle databases. The law is consistent with the federal SAVE Act, a Trump-era push to require citizenship checks for voting.
DeSantis’ office did not immediately respond to requests for comment, but the governor has repeatedly emphasized safeguarding elections against what he calls potential fraud.
The legislation occurs amid continuing national debates over voting access, with Republicans in several states advancing similar ID requirements.